A Circle of Support is a group of people coming together to support a person to live a good life.
What is a Circle of Support?
Circles of Support began in Canada over twenty-five years ago. Circles of Support (CoS) involve people coming together regularly in a freely given way to support the vision of a person with disability to get the good things of life. The circle usually comes together for a specific purpose, such as supporting the person to
- find meaningful work
- move out of the family home
- take up other valued roles in the community.
Establishing a circle of support can be one way to safeguard the future when families are no longer around to carry the vision. Circles can provide security of the vision to be realised.
Every circle is unique to the person as the focus is driven by their individual dreams and goals. Members of the circle contribute in various ways, but always with the focus on getting the good things of life for the person.
Resources About Circles of Support
Enjoy browsing our growing collection of resources.
Circles of Support – The Facilitator
In this final workshop, learn about the critical role of the Facilitator.
Circles of Support – The Facilitator.Learn moreCircles of Support – The First Gathering
In this second workshop, learn about how to make the First Gathering a success.
Circles of Support – The First Gathering.Learn moreCircles of Support – Getting Started
The first of three workshops discusses how to get a Circle of Support started.
Circles of Support – Getting Started.Learn moreSocial Inclusion in Primary School
A facilitator-led Circle of Support in a mainstream primary school
Social Inclusion in Primary School.Learn moreAmigos – A Bunch of Mates
This family created a friendship group for their daughter in primary school.
Amigos – A Bunch of Mates.Learn moreJack’s Circle of Support
Jack's family created a Circle of Support to help him reach his goals.
Jack’s Circle of Support.Learn moreJack’s Bunch of Mates
A Bunch of Mates is an intentional gathering of kids to increase social connection for a student with disability.
Jack’s Bunch of Mates.Learn more