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The idea of creating a circle of support for Zoe came from a friend who belongs to one.
What are Circles of Support?
The concept of Circles of Support originated in Canada about twenty years ago, and the Mamre Association launched its version of it as the project "Pave the Way" in Queensland in 2002.
Essentially,
circles involve a small number of people coming together regularly to
provide support to a person with a disability and their family in their
decision making and planning for the future.
Why form Circles of Support?
As families have concerns about the security of their family member
(especially when they are no longer able to be there to support them),
building support circles and networks around the families is one
significant strategy in securing and safeguarding the future of family
member in question.
Planning for the future is
essential as is living and acting today in order to build “good
lives”.
When families are asked to reflect on what makes a good life, loving
relationships and committed people in our life are among the most
common responses. Relationships are built around shared passions,
interests and values. Our emotional and physical safety is more likely
to be assured when we are surrounded by enduring and committed
relationships. The richness or quality of our lives is often measured
in terms of those
with whom we share those lives. People keep people safe.
Many families who have a member with a disability are faced with
isolation. Isolation can occur through the attitudes of others and/or
through the sheer workload caused by the cumbersome systems on which
families rely. Families want to provide the best life possible for their
son or daughter. For some people, this requires extraordinary effort in
order for the person to have access to ordinary opportunities. This
level of effort can leave little or no energy for making and keeping
relationships within the wider community. Some families experience a
world where their son or daughter with a disability is not welcomed and
therefore they feel that the sole responsibility for their future wellbeing rests with the family alone.
In a fair society, the reality is that raising a family is a
responsibility which is shared by the community. “It takes a
whole village to raise a child.” Our children’s wellbeing
relies significantly on the support and care of people like the local
soccer coach, the teacher, the next door neighbour, music teacher, kids
at school, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Their lives are
influenced and shaped by the community. It makes sense that families
who have a member with a disability also need the support of others in
order to build a good life for their son or daughter.
Using this strategy, the family would invite
chosen others (committed allies,
family and friends) to support them in their decision making and assist them to plan for the future - a powerful
strategy to sustain their efforts and actions.
Who
They
would be people who the family trust, who share
their vision, who are supportive, and who are willing to share the
journey.
They would be ordinary people who:
- want to play a role
- want an ongoing positive relationship with the person
- can provide things that money can never buy
- can provide things that all the professional services and therapies can
never provide
- are willing to work together towards a common dream
- are available to meet regularly and have time to work together
Roles of Circles of Support
- assisting with planning processes
- assisting with decision making
- bringing energy, commitment and imagination into the lives of people
with disabilities and their families
- providing a forum to discuss options and developing strategies
- encouraging people to dream
- listening and ensuring the person’s voice is heard
- acting as advocates to ensure the person is treated well and has
appropriate support
- assisting the person to manage support staff and support funds
Subsequently, as relationships build, often people provide practical
support as well as companionship, deeper relationships, fun and
celebration. Circles also provide a place of mutual support to each
other in their support of the person and their family.
Benefits of establishing Circles of Support (project findings so far):
- Families have capacity and initiative that has provided substantial
safeguards to their sons/daughters.
- Inviting others to share the journey strengthens that capacity.
- Isolation and the person’s reliance only on family is reduced.
- People with disabilities and their families have deepened relationships with other chosen people.
- People who care sometimes need an invitation to be more involved.
- Families have amazing commitment to their family members.
- People are clearer about the future and their visions of a good life.
- Plans provide a framework for action and clarify the steps that are
needed.
Every circle is different - because of the uniqueness of the dreams of
the individual at the centre of the circle - and the uniqueness of the
contribution of each circle member.
What works
- Being clear about the vision
- Being sincere and honest
- Having respect for private family business
- Giving people real roles
- Appreciating diversity of approach and opinion
- Building trust
- Taking time to work at and through issues
- Using good judgement
- Using the visions and questions as filters
- Commitment over time
- Creative brainstorming
- A spirit of optimism that problems can be solved
- Taking time to stop, reflect and celebrate
- Having a dream and keeping it alive
- Expecting things to keep changing - Life is a journey.
- Having somebody take responsibility for the ongoing facilitation.
This is what a member of another Circle shared with us:
"Whilst it is seldom easy
to invite others into places where we believe we have sole
responsibility, it has been our experience that when asked, people are
willing and keen. There is magic that evolves when people share their
knowledge, energy and commitment. Openness, honesty, and clear
communication are the foundations on which to build strong
relationships which will enrich our lives and those of our family
members."
We hope to be able to form a Circle of Support for Zoe soon.
References
Chernets, Gillian, Canada. “Support Circles”.
Forest, Pearpoint and Snow, (Canada) Natural Support Systems -
Families,
Friends and Circles. Rodgers, Margaret
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