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Support Circles

A Support circle is just one of many strategies aimed at safeguarding people with disabilities now and into the future. The concept is based on the assumption that, while it may be important to have the support of funding and services and to have good legal wills and trusts in place, it is people who keep people safe.

Support circles involve a small number of people who come together regularly to provide support to the person with disability and their family in their decision making and their planning for the future.

One of the benefits of establishing a support circle is that families often feel better supported in their decision making. Circle meetings enable time for regular conversations about important matters including the family’s vision and their plans. Another benefit is that people in our networks can deepen their relationship with our family member and learn much about them through being involved in regular meetings.

To learn more about how Pave the Way can assist families to develop a support circle Click here to access the document: Information for families regarding developing and maintaining a support circle.

Articles and Stories

These articles and stories can be viewed on the website or can be mailed by request.

The following resources reflect the various ways that support circles can be developed and maintained and may differ from Pave the Way’s approach to assisting families to develop a support circle.

CRU Newsletter:

Crucial Times March 2007 Issue 38 ~ the articles in this edition of CRUcial times are focused on support circles

Books:

The following books can be purchased from the links provided. If you are unable to purchase these online, contact Pave the Way and we may be able to assist.

A Good Life – for you and your relative with a disability. Etmanski, Al PLAN Canada (2004). A very readable and practical book dealing with the fundamental issues of what it takes to imagine and plan for a good life for our family members with a disability. Includes information about building relationships, developing long-term plans, and ensuring that your plans are secure. This book can be ordered through CRU

Our Presence Has Roots, Klees, Janet (2005). The ongoing story of the Deohaeko Support Network. This book can be ordered through CRU

We Come Bearing Gifts, Klees, Janet (1996). The story of a small group of ten Canadian families who formed the Deohaeko Support Network in order to achieve their vision of a positive future for their sons and daughters who have a disability. One aspect of their vision has involved developing a support circle as part of their own support solution. CRU

Reaching Out, A Portrait of Social Network Facilitation in Canada, PLAN (2007). A booklet about facilitation of support circles prepared by PLAN Institute for Citizenship and Disability. This book can be ordered through PLAN Canada

Stronger Together: Ideas, reflections and suggestions about networks of support. Kappel, Bruce (1998). This is a practical resource that provides a compilation of ideas for building and maintaining a network of support.

The Company of Others: Stories of Belonging, Shields, Sandra and Champion, David (2005). A photographic book that tells the stories of five people who are surrounded by social ‘circles’ – friends and family whose respect, encouragement and love give them a sense of belonging in the world. This book can be ordered through PLAN Canada

DVDS:

Cricles of Support: This DVD tells the story of a two families in South Australia and their support circle journey. Community Living Project (2007). For more information contact CLP on (08) 8384 7866 or visit their website at www.clp-sa.org.au.

The Ties that Bind: The story of a young man and his personal network (2005). This DVD can be ordered through PLAN Canada.

Websites:

Community Works: www.communityworks.info The website of David and Faye Wetherow includes a range of articles around what it takes for a person with a disability to live an ordinary life in the community.

Inclusion Network: www.inclusion.com The Inclusion Network website features articles about planning and circles of support.

Microboards: www.microboard.org.au Microboards are a similar concept to support circles but differ in some regards. Originally developed in Canada by the Vela Microboard Association, microboards involve small groups of people, usually committed family and friends, who come together on a regular basis to provide support for a particular person. For more information visit the Vela Microboard Australia’s website.

Another site that features articles about the microboard concept can be found at: www.communityworks.info

Plan Canada: www.plan.ca Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) is a non-profit organisation, established in 1989 by and for families committed to future planning and securing a good life for their relative with a disability.

The Ties That Bind: www.tiesthatbind.ca This is a comprehensive website that includes stories, discussion, videos, links and articles to the very important aspects of people lives such as building support networks, money matters, belonging and many more.

For more information Contact Us.