In response to the evolving coronavirus situation, Carol - Gig Buddies Sydney CEO - has released the following statement:
The ‘corona catch up’
We’re aware that there’s an increased chance for buddies to become further socially isolated, what with yesterday’s (22/3) announcement that, as of today, the following businesses are to close: pubs, nightclubs, cinemas, casinos, clubs, indoor places of worship, gyms, indoor sporting venues.
In response, we’ve taken inspiration from people who have been quarantined, like those in the video below - and we’re offering prizes to buddies who come up with the ‘most inventive corona catch up’.
Just like in the clip posted above, we want to see the ways in which our buddies are connecting. It could be a jamming session via Skype, an online dance party over Zoom or a cooking challenge carried out on FaceTime.
Remember, a ‘gig’ can be anything. And remember, we’re offering prizes for the most creative buddies.
Food for thought
To get you thinking, we’ve reached out to our user-led group, Soul Fly Band, asking them for tips on how to engage remotely with their volunteers. Here’s what they had to say:
How to engage remotely
“It’s going to be difficult to meet up, so we have to be more creative”, Soul Fly Band
- Social media was a clear winner: FaceTime, Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Tik-Tok, Twitter and Skype.
- Sending texts, video messages and emails (cat memes and articles of interest were a favourite suggestion).
- Making “old fashioned phone calls”.
- “Do what people did 100 years ago. Write a letter and go for a walk to the Post Office at the same time”.
What can we do together?
In line with the latest government advice and Carol’s statement above, we don’t want to run the risk of anyone becoming unwell due to contact which could have been avoided. We acknowledge that it’s going to be difficult for people to meet face-to-face.
In response, Soul Fly Band suggested buddies watch a footy match or film remotely while communicating via Skype, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger.
“When things get back to normal we’ll be able to do more. Until then we have to be patient”, Soul Fly Band
What if we go into full lockdown?
“We could use this as an opportunity for buddies to increase their skills”, Soul Fly Band
- Cooking, DIY or arts and crafts catch ups over video chat - all great suggestions.
What about life after Covid-19?
“Make plans for when the virus passes. Instead of catching up 1 or 2 times a month, make up for lost time and increase the regularity - as if you would do with any friend”, Soul Fly Band
And if all that fails, check out a new innovative online music festival.
Brought to you by the team from Stay Up Late (and the creators of Gig Buddies), Coronavirus Festival launched this weekend.
Each and every morning (7am and 8am, Australian Eastern Summer Time, 7pm and 8pm UK time), musicians take to the Coronavirus Fest Facebook page, bringing live music to the masses. And the best bit? Anyone can turn up and perform - they just need to book their slot.
For more information on how to get involved, click here. If you have any questions, get in touch with us via Facebook Messenger or email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
And as mentioned by Carol in the statement above, today we launch our very own version Down Under Coronavirus Fest, and we call on all buddies to send us a video of them in action.
We want to showcase your hidden talents to the rest of the world. If you’re a musician, a magician or a nail technician (it can anything - the possibilities are endless), we want to hear from you.
Upload your handiwork to the following link: https://www.gigbuddiessydney.org/video-upload and we’ll add it to our YouTube channel.
Our work continues
Coronavirus aside, we managed to make one pairing this week.
We’re delighted to welcome Richard and Oscar (above, L - R) to the Gig Buddies Sydney family.
🎵 You’ve got a friend in me 🎵
And finally, we want to end by informing buddies that if you're unable to catch up with your volunteer, given the current Covid-19 situation, to please let us know. We’re here to chat. We’re also urging buddies to look out for each other.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send us a text (0422 061 990), call us at the office (02 9419 6951), get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org
Matthew Collins
Gig Buddies Sydney Community Engagement Coordinator
matt@assistcom.org
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
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Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
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