You may have heard the term and even seen stories or blogs about circles of support, but how you can incorporate them into your work with your customers. More importantly, what benefits does it have in building capacity?
The idea of a "circle of support" was first established by Judith Snow and Marsha Forest in Toronto, Canada, back in 1980. Judith's journey began while working as the Director of the Centre for Handicapped Students, which she founded in 1977. Judith developed a close friendship with a woman named Marsha. Unfortunately, Marsha found herself living in a chronic care nursing home due to her disability and lack of finances for personal care, despite holding a master's degree.
Marsha and Judith teamed up, leading to the establishment of a committee dedicated to knocking down the barriers that prevented Marsha from living independently.
The committee's mission was to invite people known to Marsha to assume various support roles, including spiritual, emotional, social, and health support. They met regularly to provide support to Marsha.
Through their hard work Marsha secured financial aid for personal care and moved into her own unit. The change of Marsha's life, realising her goals, came through the collective support of her "circle."
The "circle of support" theory is about constructing a group of people who care about an individual's happiness and personal growth. It's a fundamental idea that can bring down the restrictions of a disability as it aims to launch an encouraging, understanding and sympathetic set of relationships.
Case Study: Hannah is 17 years of age; living with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, she enjoys playing in her State’s Social Wheelchair Basketball team. Hannah is also about to finish Year 12. Recently, Hannah has been thinking of her future and has set down some goals with her parents’ support. These goals are: A) Trying new activities B) Getting employment or training C) Try swimming again (With an incident at aged 10, Hannah lost her confidence in a pool) |
In collaboration between key worker, Penny and coordinator Julia, Hannah has been introduced to her “circle of support” and how they can be utilised to broaden Hannah’s network.
Hannah's Circle of Support:
Seven ways to implement a successful “circle of support.”
1. Identifying support: Begin by assisting your customers in identifying possible channels of support. These could involve family, friends, community groups, or allied health and paid supports. Encourage them to connect with these sources and talk about their goals and what they think will help them.
2. Diversity: A support network isn't just about delivering physical assistance. It includes emotional, social, and spiritual support as well. Each of these parts plays a role in improving a person’s total wellbeing.
3. Regular Engagement: Just like Judith's committee that consistently met to assist Marsha, beginning a regular communication schedule with your support network is key. Keeping up with regular meetings and status updates helps continue the momentum.
TIP
To minimise funding blowouts with allied health travel, schedule meetings via Teams or Zoom.
4. Encouragement and Empowerment: Enable your customers to speak up for their needs and rights. As demonstrated by Marsha's situation, substantial changes often require a combined effort.
5. Community Resources: When you have a customer that has a limited personal support network, consider using community groups, and organisations. These can sometimes act as a beneficial extension of the existing support system.
6. Personalised Approach: Have a good understanding that everyone’s needs, regardless of disability are unique to them and adapt their circle of support to match their goals and aspirations.
7. Ongoing Assessment: The idea of a support circle is always flexible. Constantly assess and adjust the support network to fit the changing needs and situations of the customer.
Case Study: In response to the discussions with Hannah, coordinator Julia has organised a teams meeting at Hannah’s home with her allied health team. These include Hannah’s OT, Angela, Physio Toni, key worker Penny. They talk about Hannah’s goal of getting into the pool again and how this can be achieved. Key worker Penny has also suggested Hannah talk to her parents, sister, brother, and best friend Emma about how she can be supported at a private pool to begin with. Her Uncle Rod and Aunty Terri are happy to assist with the pool at their home, which makes the situation easier in a familiar setting. Uncle Rod's brother also works for a disability services company and arranges for Hannah to explore part time working opportunities at a local nursery at the end of the school term. This gives Hannah time to think about what future she might have with continued education or employment. Coordinator Julie has also mentioned SLES (School Leaver Employment Supports) which could be funded by the NDIS. Hannah and her parents will research more about this option and if it could work for Hannah. Hannah and her key worker Penny talk to teammate Tamsin and asks if she knows any groups that Hannah could join to go out on weekends or evenings. The conversation goes around the club and one of the group members suggest that they might be able to organise events within the group, giving everyone an opportunity to socialise away from the court. |
Working with your customers on the concept of their own "circle of support" remembering that it needs to be practical and ongoing. This can help them forge significant connections and work towards a life that aligns with their goals and helping to building their own capacity.
It is about changing the complex idea of a group of people supporting an individual into a reality, that can be empowering.
The Lama Care Team
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