It’s midyear report time.
We’ve produced half yearly reports every year since we started in 2015. They outline some of the challenges we face when it comes to pairing up people, focussing on our imbalance of volunteers to gig buddies - and the geographical issues Sydney can present.
To better illustrate our point we created a map of Sydney, showcasing where we sit in terms of numbers (correct as of Monday 28 June).
As highlighted by the map, we have an abundance of unmatched volunteers based within the CBD, Inner West and Eastern Suburbs, while North West and South Sydney represent the areas with the largest number of unpaired buddies.
As of Monday 28 June we had a total of 540 volunteers and 219 buddies on our books. Of those numbers there were151 pairs, meaning the project had 68 buddies and 389 volunteers still waiting to be matched.
Conversely, in the report from 2019 - 2020, there was a total of 501 volunteers and 175 buddies on our database. Of those numbers, 107 were paired up, resulting in a total 68 buddies and 394 volunteers without a match.
We’re eager to get more volunteers paired up, and we’re calling on our current participants to recommend our services to anyone they know who has a mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism.
Nothing has changed when it comes to our approach: in addition to pairing people based on mutual interests, we also pay attention to the geographic location of both gig buddy and volunteer, while gender and age preferences are also taken into consideration.
To those still waiting, we’re trying our level best. However, sometimes it comes down to luck and whether there’s a buddy available within the area who not only happens to share the same interests, but also ticks the boxes in terms of gender, age and location preferences.
Food for thought
This week we’re excited to bring you another trio of online offerings.
Starting on Wednesday, Bec and buddy Nalyn invite you to their ‘dance fit Zoom’. Things get going at 4pm - join us as we work up a sweat to hits from Beyonce and Britney.
One day later buddies are invited to sink their teeth into our ‘foodie’ Kahoot! quiz, while on Friday night we’re asking you to dust off your Christmas jumpers as we celebrate xmas in July!
To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:
Wednesday 28/7
Thursday 29/7
Friday 30/7
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org or call/SMS us on 0402 708 814.
More matches
Our recent training and pairing spree has continued.
Firstly, please welcome our newest match to the family.
We’re looking forward to seeing Vicky and Andrew (above, L - R) out and about.
And more we prepped earlier
Likewise, we’re looking forward to introducing our newest trained volunteers to their respective buddies.
We want to say thanks to Heather (top left), Elizabeth (top right), Romith (bottom left) and Susan (bottom right) for joining us on Zoom last Wednesday.
The disability gateway
For those not in the know, the federal government recently launched a new website, enabling people with disability, their families and support networks the ability to source and access services throughout Australia.
The Disability Gateway is split into different sections, such as health, leisure, employment etc, and provides users the chance to browse suitable websites and organisations within that space.
A word from the pros
Throughout lockdown we’re going to continue promoting professional services for any of you doing it tough.
Mental Health First Aid Australia have issued the following guidelines on assisting someone distressed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and they’re also providing mental health first aid in the time of ‘social distancing.
reachout.com have also released their 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus guide, while for those of you now working from home, Black Dog Institute have put together the following checklist to support your mental health.
We’re here to chat
From our perspective, while we’re not trained professionals, we are available for a chat.
For anyone experiencing increased social isolation, send a text or call us at 0422 061 990 (Gig Buddies Sydney) or 0402 708 814 (Gig Buddies Central Coast).
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch via Facebook Messenger or connect courtesy of email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org or info@gigbuddiescentralcoast.org
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
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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