Circles of SupportThe Circles Network is a national voluntary organisation formed in 1994 to help disabled people to become more involved, integrated and heard in their communities. Key to their work is creating ‘circles of support’ – groups of friends, family and community members working together to help individuals to achieve their goals.
Bringing young people together
Young disabled people are one of the most marginalised and discriminated groups in our society. To respond to their needs the Circles Network started an innovative project in Peterborough that brings together disabled and non-disabled young people to plan for their futures and to develop friendships.
The Foundation’s grant went towards their Peer Mentorship Training Programme which trains and assists young people from mainstream schools to provide support to young disabled people with severe and complex needs. And – perhaps most importantly – it encourages inclusion, mutual support and friendship between disabled and non-disabled young people.
A life more ordinary
The main aim of the Programme has been to promote inclusion and to bring a degree of ‘ordinariness’ to the lives of young disabled students who are often extremely isolated from their peer group and not encouraged to think in an ambitious way.
“Circles Network is awesome. Working with the group at Phoenix School has been so much fun and so rewarding. My perspective has completely changed.”
(Participating student)
Want to learn more? Visit www.circlesnetwork.org.uk
