Being a Gig Buddy involves attending an event with a person who has a learning disability (or an Autistic person with support needs in the area of going out) once a month.

You also help them to choose the event or activity and help with practical/transport arrangements. You will receive training and support for both.

You don’t need to have any particular experience!

You just need to be:

  • Able to help a person with a learning disability (or an Autistic person with support needs in relation to accessing community events) to make decisions about what kind of events they’d like to go to

  • Able to commit to a day of training, and then to meet up with the person that you are matched to once a month

  • Friendly and kind, with a good sense of humour

  • Willing to get to know somebody well, and to have a good gig buddying relationship with them, based on mutual respect and shared interests

  • Committed to our campaign to ensure that Autistic people and people with learning disabilities are enabled to live active social lives and make their own choices about how they live

  • Proactive and reliable – part of the role is to arrange the gigs that you go to with your buddy

  • Because gig buddying is all about getting to know somebody, we usually ask that you’ll be around for at least a year

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO START VOLUNTEERING TO BE A GIG BUDDY?

  1. Fill in the online application form (below)

  2. If you are a potential match in terms of location and interests to one of our pilot buddies, you will be called for an informal interview. There will be the chance to ask questions both ways. This usually lasts about 45 minutes.

  3. If the interview is successful and we both agree to continue the process, you will complete Garda Clearance.

  4. You attend training to get you ready for Gig Buddying.

  5. We will introduce you to your Gig Buddy, and maybe their carers, family, support workers or friends.

  6. A member of our team may come along with you on your first gig with your buddy to give you both extra support.

  7. Then you start volunteering for Gig Buddies! It is up to you to plan and enjoy the fun evenings out with your Gig Buddy.

  8. The Gig Buddies Dublin team will be available for support if/when you need it.