Start Your Own Gig Buddies
We can support you
Start a Gig Buddies Project in Your Area
Gig Buddies matches adults with learning disabilities and/or autistic people with a volunteer who shares their interests—whether that’s gigs, theatre, or just going for a drink at the pub. It’s about building real friendships, being part of the local community, and living life to the fullest.
We call it “Serious Fun” because while we’re having a great time, we’re also helping people to:
Build confidence
Improve physical and mental wellbeing
Make new friends
Grow social networks
Broaden interests
Be included in community life
Is it Just About Gigs?
Not exactly. Your "gig" might be clubbing, live music, art exhibitions, comedy shows, cinema trips—or anything else to do in the evening. Gig Buddies is about connecting people through shared passions and enabling choice.
Bring Gig Buddies to Your Community
We want to see more people with learning disabilities living active, connected lives. If your organisation shares that vision, we’d love to support you in launching a Gig Buddies project in your area.
Each project should reflect the unique culture and needs of the local community. However, there are four core principles that define what Gig Buddies is and these cannot be changed: choice, community, culture and friendships.
Getting Started
The first step is easy: get in touch for an informal chat.
We’ll find out more about you and your organisation, talk through how it all works, and answer any questions.
When you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll support you through the full process of setting up your local project.
What You’ll Receive
When you join the Gig Buddies community, you’ll get access to:
A complete toolkit of resources and training materials
Use of the Gig Buddies logos and branding (Gig Buddies is a registered trademark)
In-person training for your local project coordinator
Support to run your first volunteer training session
Optional bespoke website (additional cost applies)
Ongoing peer support through regular online meetups and direct contact with our team
Costs
We’ve priced the licence to make sure you get the support you need while keeping it affordable.
One-off start-up licence: £9,000 (first year)
Annual renewal fee: £750 (from year two onwards)
Pre-launch planning session: £250
Includes:
Overview of all resources and materials
Introduction to the training content
Draft budget to support your fundraising
Guidance on expected outcomes and impact
Get In Touch
If you’d like to find out more or begin your journey to launching a Gig Buddies project in your area, we’d love to hear from you.
Email: info@stayuplate.org
Phone: 07783 810036
Let’s create more opportunities for people with learning disabilities to live the lives they choose—full of fun, friendship, and community.