Circle of support

The phrase 'circle of support' is used to describe a group of one's friends and allies. The use of this term arises most often when a group of a person's friends and allies come together to coordinate their efforts to help the 'focus' person.

Why the phrase is used
Most people have friends or allies on whom they rely when times are hard. Sometimes, when a person is in difficulty, friends and allies might consciously coordinate their efforts to help. Such a group might be called a 'circle of support', although it is more likely that it will not be given any title.

For some people isolation or other difficulties may mean that such a circle does not form of its own accord. One way to help someone in difficulty is to assist them to gather together such friends and allies that they do have, and to help them to guide or motivate this group. It is most often under these circumstances that such a group is given the title.

There are some organisations that have been created with this task as their focus.

Gathering a circle together
Often the need for a circle to be gathered together is complicated by a person lacking many friends and allies. There are some established practices that focus on this stage of a circle's life. Sometimes these are based on gathering together people who are willing to help, but who may not initially have a strong personal connection with the focus person. This is seen as only a first step - and it is anticipated that the initial help will focus on helping the person make connections, or that the connection with these initial participants will grow much stronger over time.

The facilitation of a circle of support is associated with the processes called Person Centred Planning

The circle may agree to meet on a regular basis to help the person for whom the circle has been formed to accomplish certain goals in terms of their fulfilment of life. The focus person is in control and chooses the members and the direction of the circle.

A Circle of Support: •	Creates a social network around a person •	Improves and intensifies relationships •	Keeps people safe, protected and in control •	Ensures choice and fulfilment •	Shifts the balance of power more equally •	Allows people to dream and reach their aspirations •	Encourages individuality and self determination •	Increases motivation and support

Circles of support are a simple idea and that is their strength; though it is important to remember that creating a circle of support is not necessarily easy.

Clarifications
The term 'circle of friends' is also used to describe this idea. In some places it has become custom to use the phrases 'circle of friends' and 'circle of support' slightly differently. This may be to distinguish between whether the work is in schools, or with adults. Other phrases such as 'circle of peers' might be used - for instance if support is from colleagues in a work situation.

There are other similar phrases used in a slightly different context. The phrase "circle of support and responsibility" is used in the context of a more formal arrangement for people who have committed sex offenses being supported in the community.