Gig Buddies with Thera Trust supports adults with a learning disability to live an active social life. We work closely with Scottish gig promotors DF Concerts to enable our members to access some of the biggest shows in the country. Michael, a Gig Buddies volunteer, recently buddied up with Edinburgh members Colin and Jamie to get out to 2 shows at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre.
It’s thanks to people like Michael that our members are able to attend events that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to, and to live the social life they choose to live.
Michael kindly sent us this lovely message after the shows:
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I wanted to express my appreciation for gig buddies and the platform they are providing for their members.
Two Saturdays ago, I had the good fortune of meeting Colin, a lovely gentleman with a huge passion for music. We went to see James (his favourite band) at the Royal Highland Centre. We used the accessibility area to watch the concert. I cannot understate how important that area was for our enjoyment of the evening. It’s a fantastic facility and I cannot praise it highly enough. During the concert, Tim Booth, the lead singer of James came over to our section, climbed in and performed one of their songs whilst engaging with Colin, myself and the rest of people within our section. It was a wonderful experience, one that I am sure Colin will never forget.
This past Saturday Jamie and I went to see Fatboy Slim using the same facilities at the Royal Highland Centre. After speaking to Jamie at the concert, I don’t believe it would have been possible for him to have enjoyed the experience the way he did without using the accessibility platform. It provided us both with a safe space to enjoy the evening without any of the issues which could arise from being in such a large crowd. Jamie had a wonderful time and is already looking forward to going to his next concert.
These two experiences have truly touched my heart. I feel extremely fortunate to have shared these moments with Colin and Jamie. I hope this email serves as appreciation for the work you do, for gig buddies and for the accessibility platform which enables people with a learning disability to share in these great moments.
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Check out Colin’s review of James.