Gig Buddies launched in Aotearoa in 2022 – with our funding helping bring the programme to life in Tāmaki Makaurau. The idea is simple: match people with disabilities with volunteers who share similar interests, and together they can catch a gig, go to a movie, or just hang out. It’s about friendship, not support work.

Going to live events is something many of us take for granted.

For many disabled people, inaccessibility of venues and transport make participation in after-dark activities extremely difficult alone. Gig Buddies’ kaupapa gives people with disabilities and volunteers the opportunity to connect with new people, experience new things, and just have fun.

Our second grant in 2024 helped the programme grow, building more buddy matches, running inclusive events, and partnering with aligned organisations.

Check out their kaupapa here: https://www.gigbuddiesauckland.org/

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Gig-Buddies-Auckland

Follow them on Instagram: @gigbuddiesauckland