A project by Stay Up Late

About Gig Buddies

Dedicated to helping people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people overcome loneliness and live the lives they choose through shared social experiences

What Is Gig Buddies?

Gig Buddies pairs people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people with volunteers who share their interests. Whether that’s music, culture, eating out, or any nightlife activity they enjoy. We believe that the answers to most of our problems lie within our communities, and Gig Buddies is all about unlocking that community spirit.

Since launching in 2013, Gig Buddies has grown from a local idea in Sussex to a global movement, with over 20 projects now running across eight countries including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany.

We don’t create separate events for people with learning disabilities. Instead, we connect people to existing cultural and social spaces, whether that’s metal gigs for metalheads, club nights for ravers, or anything in between. Buddies go everywhere from local open mics and grassroots venues to massive music festivals and arena shows.

At its core, Gig Buddies is about fun, friendship, and freedom. We believe everyone should have people in their lives who aren’t paid to be there, just real friends enjoying life together. That’s what Gig Buddies is all about.

Anyone Can Be a Gig Buddy

1. Read and Apply
Start by learning more about the role and filling out an application form right here on our website.

2. Meet With Us
One of our coordinators will get in touch to arrange a friendly meeting where you’ll find out more about the project and what to expect.

3. Training and Buddying
Once we’ve received your references and DBS certificate, and you’ve completed your training, we’ll match you with your new buddy and the fun begins!

Become a gig buddy

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES:

Culture

It’s about enabling people with learning disabilities to be part of everyday mainstream culture, including taking part in sport and exercise.

Friendships

It’s about people with learning disabilities having people in their life who aren’t paid to be there. Just friends who enjoy their company.

Leading

It’s about people with learning disabilities being in charge of how they spend their social time, and what time they go home.

Community Life

It’s about people with learning disabilities being welcomed and loved in their communities and developing the skills and confidence to get more involved.

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Gig Buddies FAQ's

: Meet up with your buddy roughly once a month to attend a gig or social event together.

Help choose what to do and make practical arrangements (like transport).

Build a meaningful friendship based on shared interests and mutual respect.

You don’t need any specific experience—just the right attitude.
: We ask Gig Buddies to meet up about once a month and Sports Buddies twice a month — but many meet more often if it suits them both. We know life can get busy, so we keep things flexible. What matters most is building a consistent, friendly connection over time.
: Not exactly! While many buddies enjoy going to gigs, a 'gig' can be anything you love doing in the evening — theatre, cinema, the pub, dinner out — whatever suits you. The key is finding someone who shares your interests.
: We’d love to hear from you! Gig Buddies is a project that can be run by local charities, community groups, or organisations that support people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people.

We license the model to trusted partners across the UK (and beyond) and support you to set it up in your community. This includes training, resources, ongoing guidance, and being part of the wider Gig Buddies network.

If you're part of an organisation that shares our values and wants to tackle social isolation in a fun, creative way, visit our Start a Gig Buddies page or get in touch for a chat.