FOR SOME people going to the gym, a coffee shop or the cinema is part of the everyday.

For others, having fun seems daunting and impossible.

That’s why the charity My Life My Choice have set up ‘gig buddies’.

The idea is to match up (based on interests) people who live without any restrictions, with others who struggle to get out of the house and do fun things.

They might be held back because of a disability, anxiety, mental health struggles or because they feel lonely.

Once buddies have been paired, they can spend time together doing 'gigs' they both enjoy.

It could be anything like watching a football team play, visiting museums or going to concerts and doing street photography.

To run the new scheme, My Life My Choice are working alongside Restore, Age UK and Aspire.

It all stemmed from the Brighton-based scheme 'stay up late' which was set up in 2018 by punk-rockers Heavy Load who wanted to change things after becoming fed up with their learning disabled fans having to leave their shows at 8.45pm due to their carers finishing work.

Once the Oxford version is up and running, and more volunteers have come forward, the teams hope to tackle social isolation, and beat the 'epidemic'.

According to figures from Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, 93 per cent of people with social issues surveyed said they felt lonely.

One volunteer Alex who is 22, said: “It’s an incredibly rewarding and fun way to spend my time.

"I love the fact that not only am I giving back to my community but I’m gaining from the experience too.”

To volunteer, a one-day training course must be completed along with a DBS check.

The perks, the charity say, are making a real impact of people's lives – and having a good time.

It is also a flexible role, so it can be fit around most family and life commitments.

As it is, there are about 40 beneficiaries waiting for a match.

But at the moment, there are only 10 people who give up their time.

To volunteer or get involved with gig buddies, contact Yazz who is the co-ordinator for the pilot scheme at yazz@mylifemychoice.org.uk or call 01865 204214.

Or fill out an application form at Mylifemychoice.org.uk