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Writer's pictureGig Buddies Sydney

The ‘newbies Zoom sessions’

Updated: Aug 16, 2021

We’re all about inclusion and we want to provide buddies the opportunity to expand their social circle and take part in our events.

Our online events continue to grow in popularity - especially given the current lockdown situation. As such, we’re aware that some attendees to our Zoom offerings may feel overwhelmed, drowned out or overlooked.

To address this we’re going to introduce the ‘newbies Zoom sessions’.

These Zoom sessions are specifically for those who may be new to Zoom or who may get overwhelmed by large online gatherings. During these sessions, we’ll ensure everyone has the opportunity to engage, and we’ll be on hand to answer any questions that you may have.


We hope that, over time, attendees will be confident and comfortable to attend all our online games, chats and events.


We’re not advertising the ‘newbies Zoom sessions’ in the Gig Buddies online shop. Rather, we’re requesting buddies contact us (see below for our contact details), letting us know that they would like to join us for one of our smaller online Zoom gatherings.


Our first ever ‘newbies Zoom sessions’ takes place on Wednesday 25 August at 7.30pm


To sign up for our ‘newbies Zoom sessions’ 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

 

Baking, science, heavy metal


On the subject of expanding social circles, we’re excited to provide buddies who are into their heavy metal the chance to connect with one another.


The first ever ‘metal meet up with Stavros and Chelsea’ takes place this Friday (20/8). While playing air guitar is optional, cranking the speakers is not. We’ll be crossing genres of the heavy metal spectrum. Expect tunes. Expect loudness.


This week buddies also have the opportunity to connect with others courtesy of our ‘cookies with Tahli and Tony’ baking social. As a reminder for those of you who would like to join in on Wednesday (18/8), you will need to have the following ingredients. The shop link below also contains details on the step-by-step cooking process.

One day later, in honour of national science week, we’ll be hosting a Kahoot! quiz on the very subject.

To find out more about our online gigs (and to sign up), load up the links below:


Wednesday 18/8


Thursday 19/8


Friday 20/8


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.

 

The LOLympics


We’ve had some great entries to our LOLympics competition. Thanks to everyone who’s uploaded a video or snap.


As a reminder, we’re offering prizes to the buddy who sends in the best photo or clip of them partaking in their favourite Olympic sport. With over 65 events to choose from (click here to see a complete list), we're encouraging buddies to get creative.

To get you thinking, we at Gig Buddies HQ have been getting in the Olympic Spirit. If you’re after some inspiration check out our handiwork above and below.

Our LOLympics competition closes at midnight, Tuesday 31 August. Buddies can upload their photos or videos by loading up the this link.


The link above includes all the information on how to submit your efforts. The winning entry will be rewarded with a $100 gift voucher, while $50 goes to the runner up and third place will bag $25.


If you have any questions about our LOLympics competition send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on 0422 061 990.

 

Doubling up


We’re delighted to welcome two more matches to the family.

Please say hello to Eloise and Jemima (top, L - R) and Alex and Ben (bottom, L - R). We look forward to hopefully seeing them on Zoom and at future face-to-face events.

 

Touring……


Carol and Tony, our art enthusiasts, would like to thank all the buddies who joined them on Wednesday as we took a virtual tour of the Art Gallery of NSW, checking out artwork from the finalists of the 2021 Archibald Portrait Prize.

They look forward to virtually touring other galleries and museums with gig buddies in the future.

 

…… and talking


One day later Bec and Tony met some enthusiastic future disability sector workers as they informed a group of TAFE Certificate IV Disability Diploma students about the Gig Buddies project.

In line with the course unit "Facilitate Community Participation and Inclusion online”, hot topics during the Zoom chat were: how the Gig Buddies project has helped people stay connected during lockdown, and how to facilitate and manage engaging online events.


It's great to see that TAFE lecturers and students recognise the importance of online participation and inclusion in this ever-changing world.

And on that note, we’re on hand and happy to speak with any organisations, community groups, disability advocates or anyone who would like to know more about who we are and what we do.


If you would like us to chat about Gig Buddies, please get in touch: we can be reached by text or call call on 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

 

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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