In this episode, we hear from Mark John-Williams who has over 40 years experience in the care and support sector about the Circles of Support model and how it can mobilise family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances to provide support for an individual.

Mark John-Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-john-williams-99519289/

His short video on Circles of Support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ybw3DFVEQ

Imogen runs a social research consultancy Imogen Blood & Associates:

https://www.imogenblood.co.uk/

She provides training on positive risk-taking in care and support.

She also provides MSC training:

https://www.seralliance.org/

Discussed in the podcast:

Supported Decision-Making: https://paradigm-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Print-copy-2023-MASTER-Supported-Decisions-Making-booklet-27-September-A5_Wiro_Bound_SEB.pdf.pdf

Judith Snow: https://www.community-circles.co.uk/judith-snow-a-pioneer-woman/

The Harvard Longitudinal Study: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/harvard-happiness-study-relationships/672753/

Gather My Crew: https://www.gathermycrew.org.au

Here 2 There/ For Mi: https://www.here2there.me.uk

Hilary Cottam: Radical Help: https://www.hilarycottam.com/radical-help/

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

1:50 - What is a 'circle of support'?

5:05 - Steps involved in setting up a circle

11:05 - What if there's no one to invite?

14:55 - How fits with paid services

19:14 - Importance of relationships

22:44 - Positive risk-taking and safeguarding

33:15 - Relevance to homelessness/ addiction

36:13 - Learning from the pandemic

41:22 - Using apps to facilitate

47:53 - Knowing how to help

50:30 - Spreading the model

1:02:00 - Reducing demand for health & care