1. Building Your Circle

2. Most of us have a circle of support in our lives

3. It might include a neighbour that cuts our hedge at the same time as his own a son who drops us off at our hospital appointment friends made at a local exercise group a friend that picks up our child from school

4. We often unconsciously create these circles of support with people or places that help make our lives a little easier. Many of us also contribute to someone else’s circle – family members, neighbours or perhaps volunteering for a charity.

5. So, what is Your Circle? Your Circle is your support network of trusted people, places and services, created by you. It is tailored to your own needs and goals.

6. Building and enhancing Your Circle Whatever your situation, we want to help you build a strong and supportive circle to help you live an independent life for as long as possible. To support you in this, we have developed some tools to help.

7. Better access to information and advice To help you build Your Circle, we have developed a new website: www.yourcircle.org.ukwww.yourcircle.org.uk, By collecting advice, information, services and activities in one place, the site will help to make the most of all the different support options available within Gloucestershire.

8. www.yourcircle.org.uk

10. “No door is the wrong door” We are working with our partners so people know where and how to access this information: Village and Community Agents Voluntary and Community organisations District, Town and Parish Councils Drop In Centres – Advocacy Groups - Libraries Family members and friends can access the website on your behalf

11. Steps to building Your Circle

12. Step 1: Review

13. Consider who or what is already in Your Circle Do you have a trusted contact – a familiar face, family member, neighbour or friend who understands you and your needs? Does anyone offer support around the house or garden? Are you a member of a group?

14. Workshop opportunity

15. People might include… Husband wife daughter son sister brother GP dentist friend childminder neighbour Village Agent nurse health worker dentist community group exercise club support group landlord rambling group book club sports team

16. Services or equipment might include… personal care home safety equipment garden maintenance benefits ‘Telecare’ respite care grab rails computer equipment transport support prescription collection laundry help hot meal service dog walker shopping support mobile hairdresser local charity sheltered housing talking books

17. Places might include… lunch club community centre garden centre local pub fitness centre skittles club l ibrary drop in centre GP surgery swimming pool church college

18. Step 2: Build

19. Add extra elements of support Our website www.yourcircle.org.uk brings together those elements in life which help you keep your independence and live the life you want to, including local clubs, financial support, volunteer opportunities, support groups, help in your own home…www.yourcircle.org.uk

20. Add extra elements of support If you don’t have access to a computer, then a friend, family member, Village Agent, Community Agent, Drop In centre or local community group may be able to help you. Some libraries also can offer support with free internet access.

21. Contribute to others too You might like to play a part in other people’s circle: Join the local Neighbourhood Watch Teach or offer advice – sharing your skills or experiences Volunteer for a local charity

22. Workshop opportunity

23. Step 3: Need extra support?

24. Reablement: short term support ‘Reablement’ is short term intervention to help you regain your independence Free support for up to 6 weeks, helps you : o recover quickly from illness or an accident o regain the skills of daily life o maximise your independence.

25. Adult social care We have developed a series of information sheets to guide you through adult social care, including how we work out if you are eligible for support and how to create a support plan and personal budget.

26. Information sheets

27. Contact us If you, or someone you know, needs additional support through longer term adult social care, then you need to contact us. Telephone 01452 42 6868 Visit www.yourcircle.org.ukwww.yourcircle.org.uk