Corinne, a social work student, shares her experience of being a Community Circles facilitator with Alternative Futures Group in Rochdale

Ask yourself why you embarked upon a social work degree and what your expectations are to succeed.

1 To understand the life of the focus person

For me it was because I am deeply compassionate for others. I also have a desire to work with people who have a learning disability and mental health issues. I recognise how judgmental people can be towards those who are vulnerable in society. I feel also that, as a student, I am very supportive towards my fellow students and, more importantly, when I am out in practice, the focus person’s needs are paramount. Being a circles facilitator encompasses all of these values for me and will for you, too!

2 To choose the right career path within your chosen field

Time flies at university! As a student, you are soon asked to choose which area of social work you would like to go into. Will it be with older people? Perhaps, you’d like to support children and families? Maybe, people with alcohol or drug misuse matters? Maybe people with mental health problems, or people with learning disabilities? How will you acquire the experience you need to go on into employment? Being a circles facilitator gives you first hand practice in these areas and also helps you to shape the path you feel you want to follow the most.

3 To get experience

Guess what? Experience is what employers look for in a newly qualified social worker! Many services ask for at least two years’ experience before appointing you as a social worker. What experience do you have? It’s very difficult to fit in a part time job around study and family commitments to get it – particularly when you are out on placement a good deal. However…

… I’m thrilled to say that becoming the facilitator of a Community Circle is one very productive way to gain that valuable experience! So, it’s recognised by employers and it gives you valuable skills and competencies to implement and to reinforce your theoretical study! Double bonus!

4 To apply study theory

As a facilitator, you begin to get very aware of legislation, particularly the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and also the National Service Framework for mental health. You can clearly draw parallel lines from Government policy to see how they play out in practice. At Salford University, we are taught to use person centred approaches with service users. It is fantastic to apply these theories to real life practice at our circle meetings for the focus person.

5 To use best practice

To get to know my focus person initially, I use a genogram, an ecogram and also employ person centred tools such as ‘good day, bad day’. I also ask, ‘What does it look like when you are well?’ and then I ask the opposite question. With this approach I can then use the ‘Path’ to help work out the best action plan. These tools allow me to enter the focus person’s world. This way, together, we develop a shared understanding of how these experiences have shaped their beliefs and how they make them feel – both emotionally and how they react behaviorally.

6 To develop verbal and non-verbal communication

What can feel like a fairly normal low-key conversation could prove be quite a stressful conversation for the focus person. One of the key skills I have acquired whilst keeping together circles of support is just to say nothing! Giving someone the opportunity to breathe, think, change their mind and articulate a point of view can often come from just giving someone some positive space.

7 To get person-centred

Supporting someone with mental health difficulties can be, at times, complex and demanding. As part of a circle of support, you can practice valuable person centred skills. Being sat alongside someone, even passively, can be an enormous support to them.

8 To learn to anticipate change and to roll with it

It is important to say that the role of facilitator within a circle is a supportive one. Any power will remain in the lap of the person who originated this circle.  It’s also important that when you take on the role of facilitator you are flexible. Don’t worry too much if things don’t go perfectly well from the outset. Chances are they won’t! But that’s OK; that’s normal! Don’t sweat about the small stuff!

9 To benefit from on-the-job support and counselling

In social work and as a facilitator, there are times when you might experience someone in distress, or hear something that can really affect you. Community Circles provides a mentor- someone you can reflect with. You can meet up with your mentor or call for a chat and talk over any and all the issues. In addition to this, there is a buddy who you can call for support. A buddy helps to externalise issues and focuses you to either continue with your methodology and to either change, or refine, your approach to ensure you deliver the best support.

10 To make a difference in someone’s life

Being part of a Circle of Support is a way of bringing your passion, in a mindful way, to someone in the community.  It’s a way to possibly get them back on to their feet. I believe that Community Circles will be integral to future personalisation of support and it all began here! I am proud to be on board at the outset and to be playing a role in moving it forward. If you’re looking to graduate with experience, Circles of Support offers this vital benefit.  It gives you many rich and varied opportunities to see how you can make a real difference to somebody in the live environment!

Be amazing!

By Corinne L Delargy

@Corinne_CBD