<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=23xHoo_0vJC7Eah00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=23xHoo_0vJC7Eah00" width="2016" height="1134" > BBC <figcaption>Boo Radclyffe (left) and Jenny Whiting (right) have been to multiple local events together </figcaption></figure><p> A scheme that pairs neurodiverse people and those with learning disabilities with others who can accompany them to concerts says it is looking for more volunteers. </p><p> Gig Buddies is a national scheme that was brought to Gloucestershire 18 months ago to allow more people to enjoy live music and events. </p><p> Jenny Whiting, who was paired with volunteer Boo Radclyffe through the scheme, said it "makes a lot of difference" to have a companion. </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p> Project coordinator Brian Wilcox said volunteers need "a love of music and a love of being with someone". </p><h2> 'Smiling for hours' </h2><p> Gig Buddies pairs adults with autism and learning difficulties with volunteers with a similar taste in music. </p><p> Organisers say it not only helps people be at ease going to events, but also develops friendships. </p><p> The scheme is looking for people to commit to taking their 'buddy' out at least once a month, with a full DBS check, expenses and training provided. </p><p> Ms Radclyffe and Ms Whiting have attended festivals and markets together. </p><p> "When we did Coaley Festival, we listened to some wonderful music and Jenny just sat there smiling for four hours," Ms Radclyffe said. </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p> "If I can help that happen just by giving half a day to somebody, then that's wonderful, because we both enjoy each other's company." </p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4FF9zH_0vJC7Eah00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4FF9zH_0vJC7Eah00" width="2016" height="1134" > BBC <figcaption>Brian Wilcox tries to match people with a shared love of music </figcaption></figure><p> Thanks to Ms Radclyffe, Ms Whiting is looking forward to volunteering at Frampton Country Fair on Sunday. </p><p> "I have fun with Boo," she said. </p><p> "We go to some nice places and get on very well." </p><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><p> Mr Wilcox said the scheme has united 18 pairs of Gloucestershire concertgoers since it launched last year. </p><p> "People go to the theatre to watch live shows as well as gigs - and that could be anything from your local singer-songwriter in a pub to a big arena event," he said. </p><p> "The best part of Gig Buddies is the pure joy that comes from people." </p><p> Follow BBC Gloucestershire on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcgloucestershire" rel="nofollow"> Facebook </a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCGlos" rel="nofollow"> X </a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bbcradioglos/" rel="nofollow"> Instagram </a> . Send your story ideas to us on email or <a href="https://bbc.in/47DEoQy" rel="nofollow"> via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 </a> . </p><h2> More on this story </h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c720l8g719zo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> Ambitious plans to attract biggest artists to city </a></li><li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgyjj3z45jo?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Bnewsbreak.com%5D-%5Blink%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D" rel="nofollow"> Gloucestershire autism waits 'worst in the West' </a></li></ul><h2> Related internet links </h2><ul><li><a href="https://gigbuddiesgloucestershire.org.uk/" rel="nofollow"> Gig Buddies Gloucestershire </a></li></ul><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate></div></body>

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Volunteer 'gig buddies' needed for county scheme

The project provides companions to neurodivergent and disabled people for trips to live events.

Volunteer 'gig buddies' needed for county scheme

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