Volunteer Connect
VAS Volunteer Centre
About Simply Connect
Volunteer Centre

Role details

To confirm interest in this role click the Register Interest button

Volunteer Centre  Role Details

Gig Buddy

Living It Up

You did not enter a postcode in the search, or the postcode for this role is unknown.

http://www.lovelivingitup.org This link will open a new window.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO LIVE IT UP – CAN YOU HELP?

Who are we?

Living It Up was inspired by Heavy Load—a punk band from Brighton made up of people with and without learning disabilities, who went on to create an incredible charity called Stay Up Late, fighting for the right to choose how to spend your social life—and when to call it a night!

We loved their vision and started Living It Up because we believe everyone with a learning disability deserves a full, fun, and active social life.

Stay Up Late started the Gig Buddies project, we run the Bedford branch—matching volunteers with people with learning disabilities and/or autism to enjoy gigs, shows, festivals, sports, and nights out together.

What do we need?

Thanks to National Lottery funding, we’re able to grow Gig Buddies Bedford—but we need you!

✨We’re looking for volunteers who want to:

✨Share nights out, live music, or events with a new friend

✨Help someone with a learning disability feel more connected and included

✨Enjoy and explore Bedford’s social scene together

Who can volunteer?

No special experience is required—just enthusiasm and kindness! We’re looking for people who are:

✨Friendly, reliable, and up for a laugh

✨Keen to explore gigs, theatre, festivals, or sports with someone new

✨Interested in supporting someone to enjoy local events

✨Excited about making a genuine, lasting friendship

What to expect

✨We know life is busy—that’s why volunteering with us is simple and flexible.

✨Time commitment: Just one night out a month with your Gig Buddy

✨Duration: Ideally a year, so you can build a strong friendship

✨Support: We provide training, DBS checks, expenses, and ongoing support

You’ll get to have fun, discover new events, and help someone else live it up!

Ready to volunteer?
Join us and be part of a community that believes everyone deserves a great night out.

Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Entertainment,Music,Sport & Coaching

Language Skills, Organising & Planning

You don’t need any special skills to become a Gig Buddy — just kindness, reliability, and a willingness to spend time doing things you enjoy with someone else. Every volunteer brings something unique, and your life experience, interests, and personality are all valuable. We provide full training to help you feel confident in your role, and we arrange and cover the cost of your DBS check. You’ll also have ongoing support from our team, as well as a friendly network of fellow volunteers you can connect with, share ideas, and get inspiration from whenever you need it.

By becoming a Gig Buddy, you’ll be helping someone with a learning disability or autism to live the life they choose — with the same access to social activities and experiences that everyone deserves. Your support opens doors, builds confidence, and helps someone feel truly included. You’ll also become part of a growing, friendly community of volunteers and members. Many people make new friends along the way, and we hold monthly social events that everyone is welcome to join. There’s no pressure to attend, but you’re welcome to come along with your Buddy as your monthly outing, or simply to hang out with the wider Gig Buddies family.

Once a month

Further location details may be provided below.

Marie Bassi

This role will take place at different venues dependent on the interests of the gig buddies.

20

email gigbuddies@lovelivingitup.org

Volunteer Centre  Application Process

Volunteer Centre  Support you will receive

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life. If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know so we can make sure you’re fully supported. Our application materials are available in a range of formats, including Easy Read and paper copies, as well as our online form. If you’d like the application in a different format or you have any questions, you can contact us at gigbuddies@lovelivingitup.org.

Volunteer Centre  I'm interested in this role

You will be asked to log in or register your details

Click Back to Search to return to the role search page

Volunteer Centre  When we need you to do this role

     Morning       Afternoon       Evening   
Monday 
Tuesday 
Wednesday 
Thursday 
Friday 
Saturday 
Sunday 

Volunteer Centre  Role Type

Volunteer Centre  Suitable For

18 and over

Volunteer Centre  We Welcome

 We welcome and/or have the resources to support:

Volunteer Centre  Location

A map is unavailable for this opportunity

Volunteer Centre  Other Roles for this organisation

This Organisation has  3  other volunteer role(s).
To view them, go back to the search page and enter
Living It Up  into the Keyword search.