PLAN north East - Friends and futures (NToW85)

The friends and futures project explored how the role of a network facilitator could help people with learning disabilities build a 'circle of support' to provide them with friendship, support and practical help. It is recognised that when individuals are able to build a network around them it reduces isolation and makes it easier for them to plan for the future whilst being in control of their own lives.

The project which involved a group of people with learning disabilities (and their families) in the North East of England was based on the PLAN model of support (developed in Canada) and complemented individualised budgets.

The core values of the model were:

• Family leadership
• Safety through relationships
• Self-sufficiency
• Contribution equals citizenship

Aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the project were to:

• Help 16 families to set up their own circle of support
• Introduce facilitators to help build and guide the circles of support
• Develop and run three training courses for the network facilitators

What happened?
A project coordinator was appointed and a steering group comprising of families and professionals was set up. Awareness raising events were held to introduce the PLAN model and the concept of circles of support.

A number of facilitators were appointed and provided with training to help them prepare for the role. The facilitators then worked with individuals and families to help establish the circles of support.

Outcomes
Ten circles of support were established with facilitators working alongside them.

• The role of facilitator
  Feedback from the training course showed that it was useful for the facilitators to have the opportunity to reflect with each other about the issues involved in facilitating.
  Many facilitators felt that their role required a good degree of confidence and that the project was a long-term process rather than a one-off 'quick fix'.
  It was identified that the role of facilitating circles is quite unstructured as no two situations are the same. A clear set of principles is therefore essential to guide the way in which the facilitators work.
• Circles of support
  The project worked with a number of individuals and their families to establish effective circles of support. The circles of support were very different in size, function and nature and so the process for facilitating each circle also varied. A flexible approach was therefore required and the facilitators reassured the participants that there isn't a standard size of circle, as some people felt that they couldn't set up a circle because they felt that they didn't know enough people to be in it.
  Families have reported that the circles of support have helped to generate ideas, solve problems and think positively about the future. The feedback shows that people value the circle and the facilitation and that even over a short time it can help resolve specific issues.

One of the challenges of the project was that it was coordinated and driven by professionals, not families. The next stage of the project examined how the project team would continue to facilitate more circles and bring together facilitators to learn from each other.

The aim was to develop circles that would be sustainable over time and it was recognised that the model would need to reflect that this work needs long-term commitment.

Additional materials

NToW85 - Friends and Futures first annual report

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