Organisers of a scheme which helps people who have learning disabilities to enjoy a social life are appealing for more volunteers.
Gig Buddies Cymru brings people together with volunteer companions for concerts and other events but says it currently able to help only half of its 129 clients.
Gig Buddies was set up in 2018 by the charity Learning Disability Wales to try to reduce loneliness and isolation for those who may face challenges when going out.
It has doubled in size since 2019 but as a result is struggling to keep up with demand, with 39 on a waiting list to join the already oversubscribed service.
The BBC reported that research from the charity Stay Up Late found that by 8:30pm on a typical Friday, 69 per cent of people with learning disabilities were either in bed or ready for bed. Only seven per cent were actually out.
Heather Graham, a Gig Buddies ambassador from Denbighshire, said: “It’s so normal for people to stay up and out past 9 o’clock and it’s important we make it normal for people with learning disabilities to do the same.
“We desperately need more volunteers. It’s frustrating that we can’t provide our service to everyone who wants to be a part of it.”
Sophie Scheeres, from Cardiff, who has Down’s syndrome, told the BBC losing support would leave her “lost and upset”.
Sophie has a buddy in Gareth Pahl and they enjoy going to the pub, wrestling and drag shows.
Gareth said: “It’s not like being matched with a person, it’s like being given a new best mate. My biggest worry was about time, but it’s only one night a month and as our relationship grew we tend to do everything together now.”
Wayne Crocker, head of Mencap Cymru, which also provides personalised support to people with learning disabilities, said there was a “critical” need for projects like this since the pandemic.
He said: “As we come out of Covid nine out of ten parents tell us their sons and daughters are less social. There’s an issue with day services still not reopening so they’re not socialising and losing lots of people skills they had developed.”
