STAGE LIGHTS AND SHARED LAUGHS – GIG BUDDIES COMES TO EXETER

We can speak for many when we say live events are about so much more than just music. For Team IM, they are about connection. Connection to the moment and the people beside and around you. And a connection to a shared love of live music, local bands and loud venues.

That’s why we’re incredibly proud to support Gig Buddies Exeter, a project built on the belief that no one should miss out on the things they love just because they don’t have someone to go with.

The idea is to match up volunteers with adults who have learning disabilities, based on shared interests, so that they can attend gigs, theatre, sport, festivals and other community activities together.

For us, live music has always been about connection. Gig Buddies Exeter is making sure those connections are open to everyone, and we're proud to help make some serious noise about their work so more people can share those unforgettable moments together.

– Darren (Involving Music Founder)

Gig Buddies’ mission is to break down barriers to participation and ensure everyone has the opportunity to be part of Exeter’s brilliant culture.

The seed for Gig Buddies Exeter was planted almost a year ago, when project leader Rich Ellis set out with a vision for greater inclusion in the local community.

Fast forward through months of hard work, setting up a Community Interest Company (CIC), creating safeguarding policies, securing a licence to operate as part of the wider Gig Buddies community (with similar projects across the UK, Europe and Australia), and networking with local groups.

GBE is now ready to take its first big step: pairing up its very first buddies.

They’ve already had some significant milestones:

Becoming a formally linked part of the Gig Buddies community nationwide.
Attending two days of hands-on training with Gig Buddies in Brighton.
Securing a grant from Exeter City Council’s ward grants fund to support their pilot project.
The first volunteer training session took place this week.
Bringing together a brilliant team of trustees to help steer the ship.

Rich Ellis, Ben, and Cameron indoors at Studio 54, Exeter, holding “Gig Buddies Exeter” flyers, surrounded by colourful artwork and music-themed decorations. — Photo Credit: Rich Ellis – Gig Buddies Exeter

This is the exciting bit: Gig Buddies Exeter is now recruiting both volunteers and participants (people wanting buddies). If you love Music, theatre, sport, comedy or any community event and you’ve got a little time to share, they’d love to hear from you.

Social isolation can be a big problem for adults with learning disabilities. Often, it’s not due to a lack of interest, but rather a lack of the right support or someone to go with. GBE tackles this head-on by pairing people based on genuine shared passions, creating friendships that are about more than just being “a helper” and “the helped.”

Many people with a learning disability find it difficult to go out and enjoy the things they love. Something most of us take for granted. Barriers that prevent people from going out, especially at night, include: lack of support, fear of bullying and discrimination, transport issues, confidence, nobody to go with and not knowing what’s on. Gig Buddies Exeter aims to link these people with volunteer Buddies who want to help by sharing their interests and their love of going to gigs and other community events.

– Rich Ellis, GBE Project Leader

If you want to be a volunteer, are looking for a buddy yourself, or can help raise funds to keep this work going, there’s a way for you to join in. GBE is particularly keen to hear from anyone who wants to do something extraordinary (a fundraising challenge, perhaps?) to support their mission.

Visit the website

They’re also now on Instagram. Be sure to give them a follow, here.

At Involving Music, we know the transformative power of being part of something live, loud and shared. Gig Buddies Exeter is making sure more people get to experience that magic.

If you’ve ever had a night out that made your day, your year or even changed your life, you’ll understand exactly why this project matters.

Find out more and get involved.

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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