Circles Network has provided person-centred, individual and collective advocacy across the UK since the organisation was founded 1994. We deliver advocacy in a variety of different ways throughout the UK and have dedicated advocacy services in several locations across Scotland, where advocacy is our main offering. Services in England are available on a spot purchase basis.
We specialise in providing independent, professional, issue-based advocacy for thousands of people.
Mostly supporting those who are affected by disability, chronic long term illness, mental ill health, learning, physical and sensory difficulties, brain injury, autism and personality disorder. In addition to this, we provide collective advocacy in some communities and on the wards of clinics and hospitals, which is very much our core advocacy offer in Glasgow.
Circles of support, which is a form of collective advocacy, is what we at Circles Network are very well-known for. We continue to invest in and develop advocacy services throughout the whole organisation.
We always promote independence, empowerment and inclusion, supporting people to gain the skills, confidence and belief to speak up for themselves wherever possible. We work by creating the thinking space needed to explore possibilities, be clear about choices and advocate for change to happen where required. Information and knowledge are key to enabling people to make positive choices and although we would never want to direct people, we are always happy to provide information, to signpost individuals to the best service of skilled support and to research individualised content in the context of each person's needs. Sometimes people just need a sounding board, someone to listen carefully so that they can process their experiences and navigate the pathway through to positive solutions.
There is a whole spectrum of situations, from the relatively straight forward to the most complex set of issues imaginable that may be discussed. Each person's issue is none the less important to us. Listening exquisitely is the most essential skill of a good advocate, listening without judgement and prejudice and responding in an authentic, calm manner, reflecting the facts back to the individual and searching out the available options towards positive solutions and human rights. We offer confidential, positive, realistic support that has the individual's wellbeing and fulfilment at heart.
Our professional and highly experienced advocates are skilled in working alongside people with profound and multiple impairments, complex familial/care situations and those dealing with multiple challenges in their lives.
Working to establish a relationship based upon trust, developing a communication method which suits the individual and taking as much time as needed to get to the heart of what really matters to them, our advocates achieve life changing, powerful results for people that we work alongside.
At Circles Advocacy we offer FIVE keys areas of support, read more on what each of these areas brings to the table.
Circles Advocacy offers a wide range of services which can be purchased by an individual, care provider, case manager or other stakeholder to ensure that the true voice and choices of a person can be heard.
Our advocates work closely with an individual to develop a relationship built upon trust, to gain a truly independent view of what is important to them and what will have a positive impact upon their immediate and ongoing future.
• Commissioned advocacy services for local authority and health trusts.
• Commissioned independent advocacy to support an individual to explore their options and state their choices in tribunals, settlements and care planning.
• Commissioned independent reviews of care services from a resident’s perspective in line with CQC requirements.
• Person centred planning and circles of support delivered as part of project/service delivery or purchased as a package of support for individuals or groups.
This provision can be more intensive. It is focused on providing access to advocacy services that promote recovery from drug and alcohol addiction issues.
We have a dedicated effort in our South Ayrshire and Fife locations, with a wealth of experience and the use of advocates who have lived experiences, that those in need can build a connection with. Advocates are matched to provide the best levels of support, and it’s often this tailored approach that gives those we work with hope and motivation to build a better future for themselves and their families.
As these services can be in-depth they may be more regular and long-term. Some of the people we work with are supported for years through the peaks and troughs of their recovery journey.
Our self directed support (SDS) provision is funded by Inspiring Scotland. It is focused on giving people choice in how and what care they wish to receive. Rather than being prescribed a care plan by their council or local authority, they are able to get fully involved and exercise their wishes.
We have a dedicated effort in our Moray and Inverclyde locations. Typically SDS is access via the following four options, or ways, of managing their care budgets.
• Direct payment
• Allocated to a care provider of their choice, the funder holds the budget but the individual has a full say over how it is spent
• Services are arranged via health and social services, or
• A combined option from several of the above
Finding joy again is something we hold dear. This advocacy method enables those we care for to take full control and utilise their budgets to do things they want, enjoy and that which, will help them on their journey to successfully achieving their hopes and dreams for their future.
When caring for a loved one as their health begins to deteriorate uncertainty of what’s to come, and how to manage everything is inevitable. In Fife, we have a dedicated support provision that focuses on educating and empowering unpaid carers.
We support them with understanding the role of guardianship and how to get the right documentation in place, when it comes to Lasting Power of Attorney, plus any other funding that may be available to them.
These services are provided on a case by case basis, as each person’s circumstance can be so different.
Across the UK our advocacy services are also available for spot purchase on an hourly rate. People who may not be entitled to advocacy or are not getting the right support from their allocated providers can commission us directly to support their needs.
We also work with care homes and community care providers, who may wish to purchase a block of advocacy that they can use to support the groups they work with.
If you or, someone you know feels unsure, uncomfortable or doesn’t know what help and support is out there we understand that this can lead to overwhelm – so we are here to support you to get your voice back. We help you to share your thoughts and feelings which will effect positive change in your life.
When someone has suffered a catastrophic injury or accident much of the support that is available can be hidden. It can be difficult as an individual, or as a family member, to work out what is best. Spot purchased advocacy services can be purchased to work with those who need representation or for someone to talk on their behalves, support them in meetings with their care providers, setup new circles of support or help them across a wide in a range of settings.
Our aim is to provide widespread access to Advocacy services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the support they need. We understand that each person’s circumstances are unique, and we are always ready to discuss your individual needs and how we may be able to help.
Access our Advocacy services, reach out to us today.
advocacy@circlesnetwork.org.uk
