About Circles of Support

A circle of support is a group of people who meet approximately every 2 months to support a person with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder and their family.

A circle of support is shaped by the person supported, but in general has the following characteristics:

  • The circle consists of people in the person’s life and volunteers;
  • The circle aims to support the person and their family to manage challenges and transitions in their life;
  • The circle helps the person to achieve their goals, try new hobbies, and to make meaningful social connections;
  • The circle is person-centred, and the person’s voice and needs are paramount;
  • The person’s family may or may not be circle members, but they contribute to the person’s plan and are liaised with by the Equal Futures team;
  • An Equal Futures Project Coordinator organises and attends circle meetings.

Types of circles of support:

There are two types of circles of support: ‘Smart circles‘ and ‘Self-sustaining circles‘.

Find out more about the different types of circles of support.