Support Networks

1. Support Networks A Guide for Self Advocates

2. We would like to thank the input of a panel of self-advocates consisting of Barb Goode, Lorie and David Sherritt, Shirlane Colban, Lindsay Hong and Wendy Menzies who met with Susan Stanfield and Aaron Johannes to discuss the ideas in this book, as well as the input of many other self-advocates in workshops around the province, which are based on C.L.B.C.’s “Belonging to One Another” booklet, itself the product of feedback from support network projects around the province.

3. This booklet is about building a network of people in your life. Feel free to make notes in this booklet to make it your own. If there is something you don’t understand, ask someone you trust to help you.

4. What is a support network?

5. A support network is: made up of many different kinds of people who care about you

6. A support network is: family and friends

7. A support network is: people you spend time with often ● Co-workers ● Team-mates ● Classmates

8. A support network is: people you spend time with sometimes ● Neighbours ● Friends of friends ● People who know you to see you

9. A support network is: people in the community who get to know you ● The cashier at your grocery store ● The bus driver

10. Why is it important to have a support network?

11. Having a support network is important: so that you can feel welcome and safe

12. Having a support network is important: for having fun!

13. Having a support network is important: so there’s always someone you trust who you can talk to

14. Having a support network is important: because people in your network will notice if you’re unhappy, or hurt

15. Having a support network is important: so someone will be there for you in an emergency

16. Why are we talking about support networks?

17. We’re talking about support networks because: you may want to feel closer to your family and friends People need unpaid others in their lives...

18. We’re talking about support networks because: you might have great services but still be lonely

19. We’re talking about support networks because: everyone needs to pay attention to who is in your life and who matters to you

20. We’re talking about support networks because: you have strengths and gifts to share with others

21. Where can you meet people?

22. You can meet people: in your community

23. Some ideas: • In your neighbourhood • Through clubs or teams • At the coffee shop • At self advocacy groups • Where you go shopping Your ideas:

24. You can meet people: through people you already know

25. You can meet people: at work

26. How do you connect with people? Start with “hi”…

27. Connect with people by: being friendly! ● Smile ● Be positive ● Be helpful

28. Connect with people by: treating others the way you want to be treated

29. Connect with people by: asking them what they like to do …maybe you have something in common

30. Connect with people by: taking it one step at a time

31. Collect phone numbers of people you want to keep in touch with • Call one person • Make a plan to do something together What could you do next?

32. Who can help build your support network?

33. Who can help build your support network? Your family

34. Who can help build your support network? Your staff

35. Who can help build your support network? Check out: www.bcpersonalsupportnetworks.ca

36. Who can help build your support network? Remember – wherever you go, there are people to know!

37. You can get started…

38. You can get started by: telling people what’s important to you and how they can help

39. You can get started by: keeping in touch with people

40. You can get started by: thinking about who you want in your support network

41. You can get started by: speaking up for yourself ● You have the right to choose who will be in your network. SPEAK UP!

42. Community Living BC (CLBC) 7th Floor, Airport Square 1200 West 73rd Ave Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5 www.communitylivingbc.ca