Networks of Support Project

Description
Building sustainable and practical informal support networks around people with ABI

Rationale
People with ABI typically experience social dislocation and the breakdown of natural supports

Family and friends often feel powerless to assist and lack the resources and knowledge to provide effective responses

Participants
Clients, family members, friends, ABIOS rehabilitation coordinator, other community service providers

Key Features
Utilising a network of family and friends to respond to the psychosocial needs of ABIOS clients

Adapting the 'Circles of Support' approach to integrate with more formal aspects of rehabilitation (e.g., inclusion of rehabilitation coordinator, service coordination) offered by ABIOS

Developing, legitimising, skilling and supporting networks of support

Funding 
Internally funded by ABIOS

Research / Evaluation Strategies
Development of approach through literature and service review

Case study (n=1) design evaluating structure, process and outcomes

Outputs and Outcomes
The approach offered a unique opportunity to utilise informal and formal supports in achieving holistic rehabilitation, attainment of life goals, improved quality of life, empowerment of family and friends and the coordination of relevant services.

Publications
Kuipers, P., Kennedy, A., & Smith, S. (1999). Networks of  support: Adapting the 'Circles' approach to formal community based acquired brain injury rehabilitation. Journal of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Jul/Aug, 6-9.

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