Social network
Your Support Network
Everyone needs extra help and support sometimes. For many young people with a disability, the transition from children’s services is one of those times. Being part of a support network can help you feel connected and supported. Your social circle is super important for your health and well-being. Having close, supportive people in your life can help you bounce back from tough times and make stress easier to handle.
There are many different kinds of relationships in your support network. Relationships with your friends and family will look different than those with your teachers and health professionals. Take advantage of all the support around you. They are there to guide you through this journey until you’re fully ready to take on more responsibility for your health. This support can come from:
- Parents, siblings, and extended family
- Friends
- Support at work, like from your manager, colleagues, or HR department
- Support at school or college, including tutors, student union, or student services
- Others who have already moved to adult health services
- Your health professionals
As you become more comfortable managing your own healthcare needs, you might need less support, or the way others support you may change. Up until now, your parents or guardians have usually played a major role in healthcare, helping you to understand what your healthcare team says and to make decisions for you. During the transition phase, their role might gradually change. This doesn’t mean they’re out of your support team, just that they’ll have a different role.
Your friends or partners might become a bigger part of your healthcare team too. Telling them about your health can help them understand what you’re going through and keep you positive and confident. You might even want them to come to your appointments with you, especially as you become more responsible for your own healthcare.
Remember, you’re not alone in this!
You might find this resource from SCOPE, a disability equality charity in England and Wales, helpful: