Many children who are included within mainstream education speak about not feeling a part of their school community, not having friends and not being included. They are physically there but they are not valued as equals and they do not have a close knit support network of friends. This is usually because schools do not encourage children and young people to get to know each other and to celebrate their differences. Sometimes it is about 'overprotecting' the child and not allowing them the opportunity to be just 'ordinary'. We know that given the chance and the encouragement, children in a circle thrive on having the responsibility of getting to know the disabled child and in building a valued, equal relationship with them. Children do this so much easier than adults think they can! This project would enable a Circles Network facilitator to create a circle of friends around at least 25 disabled children, and so reducing their loneliness and isolation. Schools admit that they cannot use this approach, they do not have the time and there is also much value in having an independent person responsible for the process. We currently know of families who have requested a circle in school for their child and are waiting for a facilitator to be funded and make this happen. When a circle of friends is created around a lonely and isolated child, everyone wins. The child becomes included, is happier, achieves more, doesn't feel lonely, is valued, the other children are supported to learn about valuing difference, are more tolerant, thrive on the responsibility and are delighted when 'invited' by the focus child. The disabled child's family are more supported knowing their child is properly included and happier at school, the school benefits through having successfully included a disabled child and society ultimately gains through bringing different children and young people together. Once a circle is up and running and meeting on a weekly basis, the school can support it with the facilitator supporting from a distance, allowing sustainability. This project could begin soon after a grant was given as there is a facilitator already trained in the area, we just do not currently have funding for this important work. To find out more read our Stories of Success (accessible from the weblink below).