Circles of Support

Many people experience isolation, limited support networks, or systems that struggle to respond to their individual needs. Circles of Support offer a powerful community-based approach that brings people together to help someone live the life they want.

A Circle of Support is a group of people who come together to support someone to live a good life and achieve the things that matter most to them. Circles often include family members, friends, neighbours, community members, and sometimes professionals, all working together to offer encouragement, ideas, practical help, and friendship.

For organisations, Circles of Support provide a practical way to strengthen person-centred practice, build stronger community connections, and reduce isolation for the people they work alongside. Rather than relying solely on formal services, Circles create opportunities for people to draw on the strengths, relationships, and resources that already exist within their communities.

This workshop explores how Circles of Support can help organisations and communities:

• Strengthen belonging, wellbeing, and independence
• Build stronger natural support networks
• Encourage community connection and shared responsibility
• Support people to achieve their goals in meaningful and sustainable ways
• Move beyond service-led solutions to community-led support

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will explore:

• The principles and purpose of Circles of Support
• How Circles help reduce isolation and strengthen relationships
• Practical steps for bringing people together to form a Circle
• How to facilitate conversations that help people identify hopes and goals
• Ways to build trust and shared responsibility within a Circle

Through storytelling, discussion, and guided activities, participants will explore how ordinary people from communities can come together to create extraordinary support systems.

Practical Application

The workshop will also explore:

• Common challenges when establishing support networks
• Strategies for keeping Circles active and engaged
• How organisations can support and nurture Circles without controlling them
• Ways this approach can strengthen both community and organisational practice

Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to begin developing Circles of Support within their own communities, organisations, or networks.