About us

ACL Disability Services and the Gig Buddies Sydney project facilitate social inclusion and provide support for adults with mild to moderate learning disability and/or autism.

Location: Sydney NSW

Days: Flexible - catch up one a month for at least 12 months

About the role

We believe that all people with learning disabilities and/or autism should be able to live their lives the way they want to.

You can help make this vision a reality by becoming a Gig Buddy volunteer. You will be paired up with somebody with a learning disability and or autism who has similar interests to you and lives nearby. You will be able to attend events (music, sport, arts, theatre, food, recreation), explore new things together and share your interests.

We are seeking motivated, inventive people who are positive about diversity and want to be a part of the growing community of Gig Buddies in NSW. You would need to commit to attending at least one catch up, or "gig", a month with your buddy. This gig could be as casual as meeting up for a chat and a coffee or as adventurous as going to a musical festival together. It is up to you and your new buddy to decide what you would like to enjoy together each month.

You don't need to have any experience of working with people with learning disabilities and/or autism – but you will need to be committed, a good listener, interested in promoting people's rights and well-being, and support social inclusion. You will gain skills in advocacy, supporting people with learning disabilities and community development. As a volunteer, you will be fully trained and supported by the Gig Buddies Sydney team.

Benefits:

• Gain skills in advocacy, supporting people with learning disabilities and community development.
• Become a champion in promoting inclusion and disability awareness to the wider community.
• The opportunity to meet people that you possibly would not of had the chance to organically in your everyday life.

This position is subject to an individual NDIS worker check (if selected to be a buddy) and two references.

The suitable volunteer will have the following attributes:

• Able to pass individual criminal record check
• And have two references
• Good communication and listening skills
• Be reliable and able to commit to at least 6 months