The Network is the Key: How KeyRing supports vulnerable adults in the community

Objectives

KeyRing was initially set up in response to a group of people with learning disabilities who were in institutional care and wanted to be able to live in a home of their own. This quickly developed into a model which focuses on the capacities and skills of Network Members and an understanding that citizenship involves everyone having the opportunity to contribute their talents to their community.

By enabling people to develop informal arrangements where they help each other and become skilled good neighbours, KeyRing:

• Promotes the rights of its Members as citizens
• Helps its Members to gain confidence, skills and autonomy
• Helps its Members to build safe, mutually supportive and trusting relationships
• Reduces social isolation and dependence on paid support

Jill Parker
provided Governance International with this case study on 25th June 2010