Many people with learning disabilities and/or autism find it difficult to be active in their communities especially in the evening. Contributing factors are: - Not having enough funded support hours - Worrying about keeping safe in the community - Not having the confidence or motivation to go out - Having nobody to go with - Not having accessible information about what’s on - Needing support with transport This has a detrimental effect on their physical and mental well-being.

Gig Buddies matches up socially isolated people with learning disabilities and/or autism with a volunteer who shares the same cultural interests. All volunteers are vetted and trained, and have a full criminal record check before being matched with their 'buddy'. The aim is to use the shared interest as a hook on which to develop an on-going friendship so the socially isolated person can develop their informal support networks and friendships as well as developing confidence in the community.