Read this topic sheet to understand what a circle of support (also known as circle of friends) is, and how they work to support your relative with a learning disability.
Many family carers at times feel isolated and may also worry about who will look out for their relative if they are unable to do so.
One solution is to set up a circle of support (also known as circle of friends) around your relative. A circle of support is a group of people who meet together regularly to discuss how to help an individual with learning disabilities to accomplish their goals, dreams, and aspirations. People in circles are usually friends and family, but professionals can be invited to join as and when needed. Other people to invite to join the circle may be a family carer from another family, a favourite member of staff/key worker from a previous support setting, also siblings or cousins to bring someone of a similar age to the circle.
The meetings are often very informal and personalised to the needs of the individual and the group. There is no right or wrong way to set up meetings. They can be set up by anyone who has an interest in the person or can be facilitated by a volunteer or paid independent circle facilitator.
For example, in ‘Sam’s’ circle meetings, he gets involved and often uses picture cards to communicate what he thinks. There is no pressure, and Sam has been known to go for a walk if he feels a meeting is going on for too long.
Meetings often focus on action plans looking at who can realistically do what and when and may use simple person–centred thinking tools to structure meetings.
For example, in one circle meeting it was discovered that football is important to Sam, so Sam’s brother-in-law suggested that Sam might like to watch football on Sundays with him. This became a regular activity and now Sam knows lots of people at his local football club.
Circles of support can often start by including the individual, relatives, and staff but as the person builds more relationships, circles often grow.
There are many benefits to having a circle of support, like better communication and relationships between support staff and family, and the person having more friends and people looking out for them.
The circle can be a safety net if the person’s main family carer falls ill and circle members may make a commitment to advocate for the person after their family carers die, bringing great reassurance to many carers that their loved one will be supported.
Watch this video of Wendy and Pete explaining how and why they set up a Circle of Support for their son Nikki:
For more information about setting up a circle of support and how to facilitate meetings, see:
Caring for a relative with severe learning disabilities can have a huge effect on your life, leaving you with little time and energy for your own life and wellbeing. Read our quick read guide on the impact of caring on families with a complete information sheet available to download.
The CBF Family Carers’ Email Network enables you to be in touch with a number of families around the UK. You can share experiences, information and receive support - without any obligation to reply or to identify yourself.
When you are a carer of someone with a severe learning disability, there can be extra worries about what will happen after your death. In this page we answer three popular questions.
