As a neurodivergent writer and music fanatic, it felt incredibly right to highlight and promote an invaluable local charity. Nestled in the bustling midst of Paris Street, I met up with Richard ‘Rich’ Ellis at a local music fanatic’s favourite watering hole, 12 Bar, to discuss the incredible Exeter charity Gig Buddies. I discovered this charity through an offhand glance at some bright leaflets in the student-popular café ‘The Sunset Society’. After perusing the information, it was clear that as a neurodiverse student as well as a music fanatic, I simply had to find out more.
After a warm handshake and a quick coffee order, Rich began to passionately share all sorts of information about Exeter Gig Buddies, unrelenting in useful facts and figures. I could tell I had met someone deeply passionate about this project. Once upon a time (around 15 years ago…) Gig Buddies was formed in the Brighton area after a group of founders noticed the decided lack of funds for socialisation in the disabled community. After hearing about the project through his son, Rich became agog with interest in the project and following a lifetime of jobs helping disabled people, he knew it was a necessary cause. The attraction came for him in “giving that autonomy back” to the individual, which is undoubtedly stripped when moving into care.
In between smiling and waving at known acquaintances through the window, seemingly all of the Exeter population, Rich continued that accessibility at gigs in recent years has been taken more and more seriously, and whilst that is great, “equally a lot of those people just want to be in the mosh pit”. This stands in as a great metaphor for the whole project: it seems disabled people are given good daily care in day-to-day menial tasks, but social care packages “doesn’t include having a good time […] most of our lives are supposed to be based around having a good social life, isn’t it?” Rich posed in erotesis.
After our coffees had arrived and Rich had attempted to barter a Gig Buddies social at the 12Bar with the barista, we began to discuss the challenges with the project; the CIC (Community Interest Company) has “to rely on a lot of funding, and we have to jump through a lot of hoops.” Despite gaining aid from some corporations, it just never seems to be sufficient for the demands. They do, however, stand to gain a lot from kindness; for example, the buddies will often receive free, if not heavily discounted tickets for shows and sports events. This in turn allows both buddies to enjoy their activities together rather than focusing on looming financial dread. Seeming particularly agitated by this point, Rich argued that “it seems so wrong that people without disabilities do not have that opportunity (to have fun) because of economic cause”. His frustration is deeply justified in the fact that so many disabled people are left completely isolated by lack of money and community; it is simply not right.
The CIC (Community Interest Company) has “to rely on a lot of funding, and we have to jump through a lot of hoops.”
With increasing caffeinated zeal, Rich began to describe the core principles and workings of Gig Buddies; put simply, they take a person whom they define as “at risk of being socially isolated” and aim to “build their confidence in going out and having a good time.” Imperatively, the volunteer buddy who will help to build this confidence must be selected comfortably by the aided buddy. This is because a lot of the time, people with disabilities in care are designated a support worker by a faceless corporation. For Gig Buddies, it is so important that the buddy feels they have control over who they select and that their volunteer is socialising with them out of choice rather than financial obligation.
They take a person whom they define as “at risk of being socially isolated” and aim to “build their confidence in going out and having a good time.”
If you are interested in becoming a buddy, there are some key things to note: Firstly, the introductory meetings are always small and casual; you will build up slowly and eventually work towards rugby games, theatre shows, gigs, etc. Secondly, communication is key; if you plan something with your buddy, it is going to be very much expected to happen; you have to follow that up. Lastly, it’s imperative to be committed for at least a year and be available at least once a month.
This interview was particularly poignant for me; within the last few years, the rise of social isolation within the care system has been exponential. As Rich pointed out, nobody should be segregated from society just because they were born differently, the necessity for fun and connection are human fundamental. Exeter Gig Buddies are thankfully a reactionary rebellion against this frightening rise in loneliness, making time in their busy lives to make other people happy.
I would like to especially thank Rich for his openness and information about the foundation. The charity is truly one of the most humanity-affirming ventures I have come across!
@gigbuddiesexeter
https://www.gigbuddiesexeter.co.uk
