CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Downloadable video including footage from 3 Circles of Friends, demonstrating their impact, and what people have learnt from being a part of one.
“…can be used both by parents in the home situation and by others who work with or care for the children in out of school activities as well as being used in school. This helps to reinforce the process across all aspects of the child’s life which is essential for optimum consistency and effect.”
Questions about Circle of Friends
What is a Circle of Friends?
A person centred approach that builds peer support around a child or young person at risk of isolation in a mainstream school. Their peers offer support and solve problems with them. Circle of Friends began in North America. Colin Newton and Derek Wilson of Inclusive Solutions championed it in the UK from the 1990s, and it has since been widely used and researched in UK schools. They have also shared it, alongside person centred planning, in the Czech Republic, Serbia, Bosnia, Georgia, Ukraine, Canada, Gibraltar and Malta.
Who is it for?
Any child or young person finding school hard, for example because of a disability, a personal crisis or behaviour that challenges others. It is used in primary and secondary schools.
Is it the same as circle time?
No. Many circle time skills help, but a Circle of Friends is a separate process focused on one young person and the friendships around them.
How much adult time does it take?
Not much. An adult meets the circle and the young person for about 20 to 30 minutes a week in the early stages. The real work is done by the peers, and successful circles often become largely self-sustaining.
Can families use it too?
Yes. The approach can be used at home and in out of school activities as well as in school, which keeps support consistent across the child’s life.
How can you help us start?
We can train your staff or come and set up a circle for you. Our book, Creating Circles of Friends, is £17.00 and the Circle of Friends Impact Video is £16.99.
We can offer training or we can come and set up a circle for you – book your preferred style below!
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Watch the full interview HERE
Creating Circles of Friends By Colin Newton and Derek Wilson – Inclusive Solutions This is a revised version of the original text by the authors: ‘Circles of Friends’. The book is a must for anyone interested in building friendships and relationships around those vulnerable or challenging through reason of disability or emotional need. Building respectful teams of support around an individual, tapping into that child’s peer group is an extremely powerful way of promoting change and insights for all involved. Circle of friends, is ultimately a tool for inclusion and is based on solid values as well as practical processes. The book describes both the values and the practical application of this approach to human change. What is more the approach works!