Warrington actor becomes ambassador for befriending project

A VOLUNTEER befriending project which helps people with learning difficulties and autism has announced Warrington actor and TV presenter Darren Jeffries as its very first ambassador.
Gig Buddies aims to help[ people with learning difficulties who have difficulty accessing local arts and entertainment.
It was launched as a pilot project in Yorkshire in 2017 and has just won two years continuation funding to expand and continue to tackle social isolation.
Co-0ordinator Gemma Hallwood-McCallion said: “Gig Buddies has been a wonderful project to be involved with and has reached out to so many people who were otherwise isolated and bored in their homes.
“We have been able to go out into mainstream venues to enable people to have a great time in a safe environment, just like everybody else does. It has been fabulous working with such a dedicated and fun group of volunteers without who the project would simply not have worked.”
Darren Jeffries, who was a pupil at the former Padgate High School, Warrington, before become a star of TV’s “Hollyoaks” said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be ambassador for Gig Buddies. As a lover of live music, comedy and theatre, the idea of anyone being denied access to this life-affirming experiences because of circumstances beyond their control is frustrating and unfair. I’ll be supporting the Gig Buddies team every step of the way.”