In this episode, we hear from Mark John-Williams who has over 40 years experience in the care and support sector about the Circles of Support model and how it can mobilise family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances to provide support for an individual. Mark John-Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-john-williams-99519289/His short video on Circles of Support: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ybw3DFVEQImogen runs a social research consultancy Imogen Blood & Associates:https://www.imogenblood.co.uk/She provides training on positive risk-taking in care and support. She also provides MSC training:https://www.seralliance.org/Discussed in the podcast: Supported Decision-Making: https://paradigm-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Print-copy-2023-MASTER-Supported-Decisions-Making-booklet-27-September-A5_Wiro_Bound_SEB.pdf.pdf Judith Snow: https://www.community-circles.co.uk/judith-snow-a-pioneer-woman/The Harvard Longitudinal Study: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/harvard-happiness-study-relationships/672753/ Gather My Crew: https://www.gathermycrew.org.auHere 2 There/ For Mi: https://www.here2there.me.ukHilary Cottam: Radical Help: https://www.hilarycottam.com/radical-help/Chapters0:00 - Intro1:50 - What is a 'circle of support'?5:05 - Steps involved in setting up a circle11:05 - What if there's no one to invite?14:55 - How fits with paid services19:14 - Importance of relationships22:44 - Positive risk-taking and safeguarding33:15 - Relevance to homelessness/ addiction 36:13 - Learning from the pandemic41:22 - Using apps to facilitate47:53 - Knowing how to help50:30 - Spreading the model1:02:00 - Reducing demand for health & care