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Background

What is a Circle and What does it Do?

A 'circle of friends' (in this instance, other students or peers) and ‘circle of support’ (which is made up of friends, family, neighbours, ect) is a group of people who meet regularly to make plans, pool skills and resources and to take action to help the young person (whom we refer to as the focus person) to have a better life.

The primary aim is to apply the approach successfully used with adults project - Dreamcatchers. It is hoped by increasing awareness amongst children and young people it will result in blossoming friendships and a fuller inclusive life for all.

Objectives

1. To facilitate person centred planning approaches including 'circle of friends/support' and provide opportunities for at least 20 children and young people with additional support needs improve their self-esteem, confidence resulting in a beeter quality of life.
2. Work in partnership with pupils, parents and professionals.
3. Build upon the children's and young people's natural social networks.
4. Increase the capacity within the young people and their peers to resolve difficulties and support each other.
5. Help maintain and support circles that are created, and be a source of advice and training to other adults for circle sustainability.
6. Provide opportunities for members of different circles to come together and learn from each other.
7. Produce publicity materials including 2 newsletters each full year.
8. Families will be encouraged and supported to take more responsibility to plan with their son/daughter for the future. We will provide and expose them to new ways of thinking that will influence and encourage them to think differently about their son/daughter in the future, especially in terms of socially valued roles e.g. employee, student, tenant, employer, friend, etc.

Target Group

Children and young people with 'additional support needs' aged 7 (primary 3) -17yrs old, especially those who have a learning disability and/or autism, or facing transition.

Advisory Group

An Advisory Group has been established which consists of representatives from Barnardos Family Support Team, Capability Scotland, The Inclusion Group, Partners In Advocacy, education and social work departments and health. They have the expertise and knowledge of children and young people, and will advise on project development.