A Community Circle is a way to support people through bringing together family, friends and neighbours with a facilitator. A circle can start with two people or several people coming together. The facilitator helps the conversation move to action. Community Circles are a way for us to support each other in our local community.
Each circle has a clear purpose and usually meets once a month for an hour or two to talk together, then agree what the circle can do that will make a difference.
Many people build their own circles quite naturally and informally through their everyday lives. But for some people the only relationships consistently in their lives are close family or paid carers. Here it becomes necessary to consciously build circles and connections with the person. Community Circles intentionally build community around a person helping them to build relationships and connections with others.
People who want a circle are matched with a facilitator. Facilitators are able to contribute 2 or 3 hours a month to support the circle, developing conversations which lead to positive action.
Facilitators are given full training and ongoing support so that they feel confident in their role. The next training is on the 7th and 8th October and I’m really pleased that Rochdale Hornets Rugby Club are supporting us to deliver the training by offering us venue facilities. Terri, Rochdale Hornets Community Manager is also joining the training.
I really appreciate the relationships and contributions that are being developed in Rochdale, with individuals and organisations contributing to making a difference for their community.
There are several ways you can get involved with Community Circles
Get in touch if you know someone who is living with dementia in Rochdale that would benefit from a Community Circle, perhaps they need support from a circle to make new connections, support to make decisions or to widen networks if they are feeling isolated.
Contribute to someone’s circle; do you have some time to share or want to contribute your own gifts and skills
Become a circle facilitator; contribute through facilitating a circle which makes a positive difference in someone’s life
If you are interested in becoming a facilitator, have a look at the role of the facilitator below or check out Corrine’s blog who has recently attended our training
http://communitycirclesblog.wordpress.com/2014/05/08/community-circles-facilitator-training/
For further details or if you have any questions please contact me on 07824096056 or cath@community-circles.co.uk
To keep in touch follow us;
Twitter @c_circles
Facebook Community Circles
Follow our blog www.communitycirclesblog.wordpress.com
Join our Groupsite www.communitycircles.groupsite.com
