Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ's
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Yes — we are! Everyone who takes part in Gig Buddies is invited to have a say in how things are run.
You can come along to any of our advisory groups which help shape the project and feed directly into our board of trustees.
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Yes. All volunteers take part in training that covers topics like learning disability awareness, communication, safeguarding, and possible scenarios. We also carry out DBS checks and ask for two references to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
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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.
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No — your monthly meet-ups are for you and your buddy to organise together. The idea is to enjoy mainstream events and be part of your local community. That said, we do host occasional social gatherings to bring the wider Gig Buddies community together.
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We recommend meeting at least once a month. We also organise regular social events where all buddies can get together, share experiences, and build a wider community.
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It’s free to join Gig Buddies. Participants pay for their own tickets and travel. Volunteers can claim up to £15 per month to cover their expenses.
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We meet with all participants and volunteers to get to know their interests, preferences, and personalities. From there, we thoughtfully match people to ensure a good fit. Once matched, we introduce you and support your first meet-up.
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That’s okay! If either person feels the match isn’t right, we’ll talk it through and, if needed, find a new buddy. Our priority is making sure everyone feels comfortable and valued.
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Yes — due to high demand and our commitment to making great matches, you may have to wait. This could be anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on where you live. We really appreciate your patience.
Gig Buddies FAQs
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Gig Buddies is a volunteer befriending scheme that pairs adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic people with volunteers who share similar interests. Together, they attend events like gigs or any nightlife-related activity they both enjoy, building genuine friendships and expanding their social circles.
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Adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities and/or autism can become participants. Volunteers must also be 18 or older. We particularly aim to support people who receive little or no funded support, as they are often more at risk of social isolation.
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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No — Gig Buddies is about building long-term friendships and helping people grow their social circles and informal support networks.
We’re not able to provide one-off support to cover staff absences or boost staffing levels. That’s not what we’re here for.
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Gig Buddies is all about building long-term one-to-one friendships. But we always welcome help at our social events! Get in touch if you're interested in volunteering in that way.
Sports Buddies FAQs
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During the pandemic, many people became more isolated and much less active. A survey of our Gig Buddies participants found:
- 87% said they were less physically active since lockdown
- 61% hadn’t done regular exercise since leaving school
People told us they didn’t know where to start, felt anxious about trying something new, or simply couldn’t get to the activities on offer.
Sports Buddies was created in response to provide a simple, supportive way to reconnect people to sport, social life, and improved wellbeing.
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If you live in Sussex and…
- Have a learning disability or are autistic, and want to get more active
- Or are looking to volunteer and share your love of sport or exercise
...then Sports Buddies could be a great fit for you!
Whether you're looking to make a new friend, try something new, or support someone to get active, we’d love to hear from you.
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- Matching – Our Sports Buddies Coordinator meets with both the participant and volunteer to learn about their interests and preferences
- Buddy Pairing – We match people based on shared activity interests and location
- Training – Volunteers receive specialist training to support accessible and inclusive sessions
- Meet-ups – Buddy pairs meet weekly or fortnightly to enjoy their chosen activity
- Events – Buddies can join our social events that bring the wider Gig and Sports Buddies community together.
We’re also building partnerships with small local sports clubs across East and West Sussex—especially in rural areas—to create more volunteering opportunities and connections.