GIG Buddies Bradford, run by the learning disability charity Mencap, refused to let the coronavirus pandemic stop it from bringing people with and without a learning disability together this Christmas.

The project, which matches people with a learning disability with a volunteer to enjoy nightlife activities together, hopes the virtual get together will help combat loneliness and spread the gift of hope this year.

Gig Buddies Bradford joined up with Gig Buddies Hull to host a virtual Christmas party for its buddies and volunteers on Zoom.

The party was a jam-packed evening of entertainment with Christmas-themed games, a cracker-making craft workshop as well as a Christmas singalong led by music-lovers and fellow Gig Buddy Hull pair, Martha and Tommy.

This Christmas is going to be difficult for many of the 1.5 million people with a learning disability.

People with a learning disability are seven times more likely to feel lonely than the general population.

Lockdown restrictions, the closure of day services and difficulties staying in touch with friends mean this Christmas many are set to feel even more socially isolated and lonelier.

Mencap’s Bradford Gig Buddies hopes that its online Christmas party will help bring people with and without a learning disability together virtually to celebrate Christmas and spread the gift of hope this year.

Two buddies from Bradford who attended this year’s virtual Christmas party are Charlotte, who has a learning disability, and her buddy, Vicky.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: From left, Charlotte and Vicky From left, Charlotte and Vicky

The Gig Buddies pair met just a few months before lockdown and managed to meet in person a few times before the national lockdown was imposed.

Since then, they have been keeping in touch over weekly video calls as well as going to the regular Gig Buddies virtual socials where they have met other Gig Buddies and taken part in film and musical quizzes.

Speaking of the Gig Buddies programme and the virtual Christmas party, Charlotte, 33, from Shipley who has a learning disability, said: “I’ve enjoyed it all and love seeing everyone.

“Even though we can’t. If I didn’t do Gig Buddies I wouldn’t have any friends, but I have a lovely friend in Vicky.

“I’d recommend it, the more the merrier, go for it.

“You get to meet different people. Vicky is really fun. I love having Vicky around, it’s the best.” Charlotte’s Gig Buddy volunteer Charlotte, 24, who is a student at University of Bradford, said: “I love hanging out with everyone.

“It’s been nice to get to know Bradford as I’m not from here originally and learn loads of new skills.

“I like the fact we’re a small family and if we need any help or support, we can get in touch. It’s nice to engage with local organisations and helping the community.

“It makes me happy to make Charlotte’s day and excited to organise our meet ups and socials.”

To become a Bradford Gig Buddies volunteer, find out more go to mencap.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-mencap/gig-buddies