Growing the confidence and connections of people with additional needs through Support Circles

What is the project?

Support Circles is an Ategi project that brings people with additional needs together to build friendships, learn new skills and enjoy shared experiences, including trips.

Based in Cardiff, the project runs welcoming, supportive groups for people with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs, helping them build confidence and connections.

Each Support Circle is led by an Ategi facilitator and includes volunteers—people with additional needs who help run the group and support one another.

These peer-support groups draw on each person’s ideas, strengths and experiences. Volunteers can also progress into facilitator roles and lead future groups.

Support Circles bring people together to build confidence, try new activities and feel more connected. Whether through trips, creative workshops or time spent together, each activity is shaped by the group’s interests.

The project currently hosts two Support Circles:

The Dream Team – A new group that launched in October 2025, full of ideas and focused on building trust and friendships.

The Happy Wanderers – A group that enjoys adventure, exploring new places and spending time together.

The project aims to reduce isolation and promote independence by focusing on what people can do rather than their limitations. Support Circles help people set personal goals, build confidence and take part in something meaningful.

Most of all, they help build real friendships and a strong sense of community. 

Why is the work being carried out?

Support Circles was developed to address a gap in support for people with additional needs—including learning disabilities, autism and other forms of neurodivergence—who do not qualify for full-time or statutory support but still face significant challenges.

Many of these individuals are at risk of isolation, low confidence and limited access to meaningful relationships or opportunities for personal growth. As a result, they can fall through the gaps in traditional services.

The project responds by creating small, peer-led groups, each facilitated by an Ategi project lead and supported by volunteers with additional needs. These groups focus on shared experiences, skill-building and social connection, using a strengths-based approach to help people identify goals and move towards greater independence.

By building confidence, reducing loneliness and encouraging peer support, Support Circles aims to create sustainable, person-centred networks that help reduce reliance on formal services.

Volunteers are supported to develop into leadership roles, helping to ensure long-term impact and peer ownership.

The project improves quality of life for those who take part and offers a model that could be expanded to support more people.

When and where is the work taking place?

This work is ongoing, is being delivered in communities across Cardiff, and is expected to expand later this year.

Who's involved?

This project has been funded by the Albert Gubay Foundation and the National Lottery. The team are currently seeking further funding to support expansion. 

The project began in December 2023.

Accolades 2025

Support Circles was a finalist in the ‘Working to the principles of strengths-based practice’ category at the 2025 Accolades. 

There are English and Welsh subtitles available in the settings of the video below.

What have they learned from the work?

The Support Circles project has been a powerful demonstration of how strengths-based practice can transform lives. By focusing on what people can do rather than what they struggle with, the team have seen participants grow in confidence, build meaningful connections and take greater control of their personal journeys. 

One of the most rewarding outcomes for the team has been seeing individual growth.

Participants and their families have shared many positive experiences of the groups.

Emma, who was initially very quiet and hesitant to share, now regularly contributes to group discussions and even continued attending sessions after a fall, showing real commitment and growing self-esteem. Her mum shared: “Emma is always talking about what the group has been doing, and I’m really proud of her.”

Similarly, Stephen has made great progress in recognising his own strengths, such as creativity and problem-solving. He now uses these skills in daily life and has become a source of support for others. He said: “Being part of this group has made me feel less alone; we’re all in this together.”

Many participants describe the circles as a safe space where they feel accepted, supported and encouraged.

Lee said: “I’ve found people who share similar experiences. It feels like we’re walking this journey together.”

What the team has learned

The team has learned that people feel more empowered when they're supported to shape their own path. Peer connection and emotional safety have proved essential for building resilience and sustaining long-term engagement.

Challenges and responses

The team also encountered challenges. Some participants were initially hesitant or unsure about the model, so the team introduced a gentle, step-by-step approach to joining the group, allowing people to settle in at a pace that felt comfortable.

The team also recognised that facilitators needed stronger training to apply strengths-based approaches consistently. In response, they introduced more comprehensive staff development, including reflective practice and peer learning.

Maintaining engagement over time also required ongoing adaptation. The team now offers regular check-ins and tailored support to ensure each circle remains responsive to changing needs.

For the team, this project has reinforced the importance of believing in people’s potential. Through collaboration, trust and continuous learning, they've built a model that supports individuals and strengthens communities, helping to create lasting, positive change.