Gig Buddies – a life less quiet!
We are excited to announce the launch of a new participatory research initiative in collaboration with University College London (UCL), generously funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund. This research will investigate the long-term effects of our Gig Buddies project on the health and well-being of people with learning disabilities.
This research is crucial for us as it will provide insights into how Gig Buddies can positively impact the lives of those with learning disabilities. While the full results won’t be available for a few years, we are thrilled to share previous research conducted by Fiona Brand at UCL, which has recently been published.
The Gig Buddies model
Gig Buddies pairs volunteers with individuals who have learning disabilities, enabling them to enjoy events together and build social connections, thereby reducing isolation. We also have a similar initiative, Sports Buddies, which focuses on engaging participants in sports and physical activities.
The Participatory Research Study
The recently published research by Fiona Brand and her team at UCL, titled “Understanding Experiences of ‘Gig Buddies’: A Befriending Scheme for People with Intellectual Disabilities,” examines the experiences and outcomes of our program.
Key Insights
1. Autonomy and Enjoyment
Participants appreciated the autonomy Gig Buddies provided, allowing them to choose activities that interest them. This personal choice is a contrast to other areas of their lives where decisions are often made for them.
“She suggests ideas too, but mostly it’s about what I want to do.”
2. Building Relationships
The study underscores the significance of shared interests in forming strong bonds between buddies, leading to meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
“If the befriender didn’t like the same stuff you like, there’s no point in having them really.”
3. Encouraging Independence
Participants felt more supported and safe in community settings, encouraging them to try new experiences and build confidence.
“Since joining [Gig Buddies], my confidence has grown. Now I’m taking a college course and can speak more in groups.”
4. Combating Isolation
Gig Buddies effectively addresses social isolation, giving participants a sense of belonging and an outlet for social engagement.
“The most important thing for me is having someone to meet and talk to.”
Areas for Development
1. Managing Relationship Endings
Ending relationships can cause anxiety, which we address from day one with our volunteers, but it’s always challenging. We are continually working on better strategies to manage this aspect.
2. Better Integration
Improving the integration of people with learning disabilities into mainstream settings is essential. Raising awareness with venues and audiences and advocating for acceptance remains a priority.
3. Increasing Activity Variety
Participants expressed a desire for more frequent and diverse activities. We are exploring creative ways to offer a broader range of experiences, especially considering the cost-of-living crises and keeping activities affordable.
4. Inclusivity in Research
The study calls for more inclusive and co-produced research, ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are actively involved in study designs. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with UCL on our next research project.
Summing up
This study confirms that person-centered befriending schemes like Gig Buddies significantly enhance social inclusion, independence, and well-being for adults with intellectual disabilities. By focusing on shared interests and supportive relationships, Gig Buddies serves as a valuable model for similar programs.
Read the Full Participatory Research Study
For a deeper dive into the research, read the full study by Brand, Scior, and Loewenberger (2024): Psychological and social outcomes of befriending interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review.
Gig Buddies is serious fun!
We are thrilled to see its positive impact, especially as it shows you can have fun while you’re addressing really serious issues!
Find out about setting up Gig Buddies in your area
There are now over 20 Gig Buddies projects in eight countries. If you want to find out more about the support we can give you to get started drop us a line. And find out more here:
Gig Buddies in a Box
