UCL and Gig Buddies: A Partnership in Participatory Research

We’re embarking on a new participatory research project in partnership with UCL, funded by Baily Thomas Research Funding, to study the long-term impact of our Gig Buddies project.

It’s going to be a really important piece of work for us as we seek to discover how Gig Buddies can have positive impacts on the health and well-being of people with learning disabilities.

Although it will take a couple of years to know the results, we can share a recently published piece of previous research that Fiona Brand conducted at UCL. This research examines the well-being impact of our Gig Buddies project.

Our Gig Buddies approach in a nutshell

Through the Gig Buddies project we pair volunteers with people with learning disabilities so they enjoy events together, creating social connections thereby reducing isolation.

Our offshoot project, Sports Buddies, does the same thing but through sports and physical activities.

The Participatory Research Study

This research by Fiona Brand and colleagues at UCL “Understanding Experiences of ‘Gig Buddies’: A Befriending Scheme for People with Intellectual Disabilities” evaluates the experiences and outcomes of our scheme.

Key Findings from Our Participatory Research with UCL

1. Autonomy and Fun

Participants value the autonomy Gig Buddies provides, allowing them to choose activities that interest them. Participants appreciated the autonomy Gig Buddies offered, enabling them to make choices based on their interests, in contrast to other areas of their lives where they have less choice and control.

“She comes up with ideas as well, but most of the time it’s about what I want to do.”

2. Building Connections

The study highlights the importance of shared interests in forming strong bonds between buddies, leading to meaningful and enjoyable experiences.

“If the befriender didn’t like the same stuff you like there’s no point in having them, really.”

3. Promoting Independence

Participants feel safer and more supported in community settings, which encourages them to engage in new experiences and build confidence.

“Since I’ve joined [Gig Buddies] it’s built up like confidence. Now I’m doing a college course and I’m able to talk more in a group.”

4. Reducing Isolation

Gig Buddies effectively combats social isolation, offering participants a sense of belonging and an outlet for social engagement.

“The most important thing for me is basically you’ve got somebody you can meet and talk to.”

Areas for Development

1. Managing Relationship Endings

While essential, relationship endings can cause anxiety. It’s something we talk about with volunteers from day one but it’s never easy. We’re always working on developing better strategies to manage this aspect.

2. Better Integration

There’s an undeniable need for improved integration of people with learning disabilities into mainstream settings. Raising awareness with venues and audiences, and advocating for acceptance remains a priority.

3. Increased Activity Variety

Participants expressed a desire for more frequent and diverse activities. We’ll continue to explore creative ways to offer a broader range of experiences. Especially through the lens of the cost-of-living crises and keeping fun cheap.

Inclusivity in Research

The study calls for more inclusive and co-produced research, ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are actively involved in study designs. We’re therefore delighted we’ll be continuing our relationship with UCL through our next research project.

Valuable insights from taking a participatory research approach:

The study reaffirms that person-centred befriending schemes like Gig Buddies significantly benefit social inclusion, independence, and well-being for adults with intellectual disabilities. By focusing on shared interests and supportive relationships, Gig Buddies stands out as a valuable model for similar programs.

Read the Full Study by Brand, Scior, and Loewenberger (2024): [Psychological and social outcomes of befriending interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review].

Gig Buddies is serious fun, and we’re thrilled to see its positive impact!

Find out about setting up Gig Buddies in your area

There are now over 20 Gig Buddies projects in eight countries. If you want to find out more about the support we can give you to get started drop us a line. And find out more here:

Gig Buddies In A Box or drop us a line