Three years ago, Brianna Russell embarked on a journey to expand her social circle, but what she found was a connection that transcended friendship. In Sydney, Russell met Lauren Cole through Gig Buddies, a not-for-profit initiative that enables individuals with disabilities to enjoy the vibrant city nightlife even after their support workers have clocked off.
Originally developed by the UK-based charity Stay Up Late, Gig Buddies made its debut in New South Wales in 2015. The program was initially trialed with support from the City of Sydney and managed by ACL Disability Services. Since its inception, over 100 volunteers have been paired with individuals passionate about music, sports, cinema, and food, all of whom have a learning disability.
Breaking Barriers Through Friendship
Living with a disability, Russell was initially apprehensive about joining the program. However, her determination to meet new people prevailed. “I just wanted to meet new people,” she shared. “To me, Lauren is just a caring person … she’s between a sister and a second mum.” Russell encourages others to step out of their comfort zones, asserting, “My advice is, have a go. [Gig Buddies] is so much fun. You have an amazing time with them, the people there are nice, they’re actually super funny.”
Lauren Cole, who became a volunteer about three years ago after relocating from the United States, quickly bonded with Russell. “Bri and I ended up just sitting there for a couple of hours, shooting the breeze, getting to know each other,” Cole recalled. Their shared love for animals and sports has made their outings to places like Taronga Zoo and various sports events particularly enjoyable.
Fostering Inclusive Communities
Cole highlights the challenges faced by the disability community in forming relationships outside their immediate family. “That’s not true for everyone, but that was my brother’s experience, and I always knew how much it meant to him and to my family when there were other people that were interested in him, for him,” she explained. “Not only are you enriching someone else’s life, but I 100 percent feel like you’re enriching your own life as much, if not more.”
Another member of the disability community, Lex Tan, shares a similar story. Tan bonded with volunteer PJ Highland over their mutual love for the arts, entertainment, and the Sydney Swans Football Club. “Me and PJ have a lot in common, and I enjoy going to gig parties with PJ,” Tan said. “It is a safe place, and I think we’re all a friendly group.”
“There’s that point of difference of having somebody that’s paid to be in your life and somebody who actually wants to be with you and shares your interests,” said Carol Smail, CEO of ACL Disability Services and Gig Buddies.
Looking to the Future
The success of Gig Buddies in Sydney has sparked interest in expanding the program to other regions. “We’d rather like to go to Newcastle and Wollongong because we do get a lot of inquiries from there,” Smail revealed. The organization also aims to collaborate with venues to create more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities.
The initiative not only provides a platform for individuals with disabilities to explore their interests but also enriches the lives of volunteers, creating a community where everyone feels valued and included. As demand for such programs grows, Gig Buddies stands as a testament to the power of friendship and inclusivity in breaking down barriers.
