A downhole support device for use in a wellbore is provided, where the device (200) is adapted to be run into the wellbore (202) through or on a workstring (204). The device (200) comprises an inflatable element (206) adapted to be selectively connectable to the workstring (204). The inflatable element (206) selectively applies a biasing force to an external structure such, for example, a wall (214) of the wellbore (202) when in an inflated state. The inflatable element (206) has an inlet (208) for receiving and being inflated by a flowing substance. The device (200) also comprises an inflation mechanism (210) and a disconnect mechanism (222) adapted to be selectively disconnectable from the workstring (204). A method of deploying a barrier in a wellbore which makes use of the support device is also provided.