Autistic adults and those with a learning disability are finding friendship and belonging through shared nights out and live events, thanks to Gig Buddies from Thera Trust.
The Thera Trust supports over 3,000 people across England and Scotland. Its work spans housing support, financial guidance, employment and training, with a focus on building confidence and social connections.
A national survey by Learning Disability Alliance Scotland in 2017 found 80% of people with lived experience of a learning disability experienced loneliness, and 56% felt socially isolated.
Gig Buddies aims to combat this by pairing members with volunteers who share similar interests, and together they enjoy social activities and form lasting relationships that exist beyond paid support.
Member Kevin Giles (pictured with his gig buddy, right) said: “Gig Buddies has helped me an awful lot, I’ve made good friends that I can count on, that are more like family.”
When asked how they would feel if the programme no longer existed, one member said, “That would be terrible. Gig Buddies gives me a social life that I didn’t have.”
A further participant reflected on the difference friendship makes, saying, “A friend is more laid back than a support worker, and it felt better knowing that they were there because they wanted to be, not because they were paid to be there.”
As demand for the programme grows, Gig Buddies has been given a boost with a £700 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. This will help cover costs for one Gig Buddies pairing in Glasgow for a year.
Molly Tavella, Community Project Coordinator at Thera Trust, said: “This donation will help adults with a learning disability and autistic adults to get out and do the things they enjoy!
“Grants like this one help us cover vital costs like volunteer expenses, so that Gig Buddies can try new things together. They also allow us to support Gig Buddies members to go to bigger gigs and camping festivals.”
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Live music brings people together like nothing else can. Projects like Gig Buddies recognise that and they’re breaking down barriers that can leave people feeling isolated. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to support work that enables more people to take part in amazing social experiences and really feel like part of their community.”
