Meet the Carers Support Team

Stuart Hill

Treasurer
Stuart is a retired accountant who spent the majority of his working life in a range of roles with Rolls-Royce, including Business and Finance Manager, Project Accountant and Business Improvement Manager.  He has been a school governor, an academy trust board member, a member of the Thornbury Rotary Club, and a member of the group that set up and operates the Haven Memory Cafe in Thornbury, where he currently serves as Joint Chair and Treasurer.

Matt Jackson

I have over 15 years of experience in the creative sector, specialising in branding and digital. I'm currently Head of Digital and Senior Strategist at Toward, a creative studio specialising in strategic brand and digital development. I have experience of the challenges within the care sector from Toward's continuing work with Social Care Wales (the governing body for social care in Wales) and through family members who have been both carers, and cared for. I was born in London, raised just outside of Bristol, and now live in South Wales.

Jen Tomkinson

 I currently work within NHS England as a senior manager leading the development of community services across the South West region. Prior to this, I worked as a physiotherapist and operational manager in both hospital and community sectors. My experience has been focused on providing health services for people who are frail & elderly or living with multiple long-term conditions, particularly in the community setting where I have seen the impact & value of the voluntary sector and unpaid carers.

I bring a broad skill set to the trustee board, including wide experience of operational management such as managing safety and governance, financial & personnel management, as well as leading transformational change for service models involving people who use services, including carers.

Although I am not directly a carer myself (although I do have 2 young children), I want to ensure, through my role as a trustee, that there is increased awareness and support given to this often under-recognised group.

Bethanie Cundy

I have a background in childhood development, social policy, and charity growth and governance.

I currently run Ignite Life, a youth charity supporting young people and families across South Gloucestershire and Bristol. My passion lies in creating inclusive and accessible spaces for young people to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance. Through my work in the charity sector, I have extensive experience in fundraising, safeguarding, project development and delivery, and frontline work with beneficiaries.

I can truly see the impact Carers Support has on the lives of many carers in our communities, and I am dedicated to lending my skills and experiences to supporting where I can.

Kay Kinchin-Ballam

I currently work at South Gloucestershire Council as one of their Young Ambassadors, in which I have been providing Young Carer training to colleagues. I have been doing this since 2021. I obtained a BSc (Hons) Combined STEM degree, where I focused on mental health, biology, death, and young people.

I have been an unpaid carer for around 19 years, as I was a young carer. I have been supported by Carers Support since 2011. I chose to become a trustee of Carers Support because I am passionate about representing Young/Young Adult carers, as well as Carers who have disabilities themselves.

Phoebe Wilson

I’m Phoebe Wilson, a current undergraduate studying Biological Science, and I have been a young adult carer for 10 years. Since attending full time university, I’ve encountered many issues with the treatment of young adult carers and they need to change. Being a carer is a massive part of my life and it’s something I’m passionate about. Equality for carers and correct treatment of unpaid carers is something I will always fight for; rules need to change and the government needs to listen to the voices of unpaid carers.

Now I am a trustee for Carers Support, I will be the voice for young adult carers and unpaid carers, making their needs my priority.

When I’m not busy with my carers' responsibilities and other responsibilities, I like to work in a lab with many different pathogenic microbes!

I also have many animals that I give a good home to after not having the best start in life. Helping animals and people is what I do best.

Sue Holdaway

Trustee
My background is in care and health. I began my career working with adults with learning disabilities, before qualifying as a teacher. I later spent more than 20 years working in children’s services, working with children, young people and their families. Prior to retirement, I enjoyed working in the community with people with dementia and their carers.

I have personal experience of caring. I cared for my parents who both had dementia, and for my partner. Since my retirement, I have been a befriending volunteer for Carers Support. I feel passionately about the work of Carers Support, and it is a privilege to become a trustee and work together to support their work promoting awareness and a voice for carers.

Ewan Cameron

I retired in May 2025 after nearly 22 years as Practice Manager of Lawrence Hill Health Centre. I bring a broad range of skills such as Human Resource Management, Financial Management and an in-depth knowledge of the local NHS system. For 15 of the years as a GP Practice Manager, I represented the Inner City and East Bristol Locality in the Bristol Health System. In this role I was passionate about trying to reduce health inequalities for the patients in the locality.

I am a keen dog walker and am often seen taking part at one of the parkruns in the Bristol area on a Saturday morning

Karina Mucha

I’ve spent my career working in housing services, supporting people who are often under pressure or facing difficult circumstances. That experience has shown me how essential unpaid carers are, and how important it is that their voices are heard and supported.

I’m motivated by fairness, compassion and improving outcomes for people who are too often overlooked.

As a trustee, I want to use my skills in leadership, safeguarding and service improvement to support the charity’s mission and help strengthen its impact.;

Mike Coe

Interim CEO
I have overall responsibility for the running of Carers Support, building and maintaining of both internal and external networks. Along with the trustee board I make the strategic plans and decisions about the development of Carers Support and it’s services. I, along with my Senior Management Team strive to deliver a successful and sustainable organisation that meets the needs of carers and the wider staff team.

Rosie Backhouse

Young Carers Service Manager

I joined Carers Support in July 2026 as Young Carers Service Manager. Since then, I've been getting to know our fantastic team and seeing first-hand the difference they make to young carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Before joining Carers Support, I spent 15 years working in the charity sector, specialising in young people's mental health. I'm passionate about helping young people share their experiences and ensuring those whose needs are often overlooked can access the right support.

One of the things I've loved most so far is seeing young carers come together through our activities and groups, giving them opportunities to make friends, have fun and spend time with others who understand their experiences.

I'm excited to help develop and grow our services so that even more young carers can get the support they need to thrive.

Louise Canavan

Business Support Manager
I am responsible for ensuring Carers Support’s legal, governance, and administration processes are robust and in line with best practices. I lead and support business and HR administration; IT and Systems, Information Governance, Health and Safety, and premises management.

Martin Hickey

Finance Manager 
I am responsible for all aspects of financial management and recording for Carers Support and its associated projects. I oversee the preparation of the salaries and work with the Chief Executive and Treasurer to set budgets/report to the board. I am also responsible for managing the Finance Officer.

Dawn Osborne

Carers Support Manager
I manage the Carers Support Officers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and the Parent Carer Support service in Bristol.  I also manage CarersLine and the Carers Emergency Card Coordinator.

Neil McIntosh

Senior Carers Support Officer (South Gloucestershire)
I manage the Carers Assessment workers and Carers Support Officers in South Gloucestershire. I also provide Carers Assessments and one-to-one casework, and help carers develop their network.

Luke Knee

Senior Carers Support Officer (Bristol)
I manage the Bristol Carers Support Officers and Carers Support Admin Assistant for Bristol and South Gloucestershire. I offer practical and emotional support by providing carers with information, advice, Carers Assessments, and one-to-one casework. I also facilitate online and face-to-face Carers Support Groups. 

Lisa Saunders

Emergency Card Co-ordinator
I process Carers Emergency Card (CEC) applications for people who care for someone living in South Gloucestershire. I promote both the South Gloucestershire and Bristol CECs as well as the CEC Discount Scheme.

Louise Brown

Carers Support Officer (CarersLine)
I provide support for carers via CarerLine. I offer practical and emotional support to carers and can help with information and signposting on issues such as benefits, assessments, and other services.

Sal Irish

Carers Support Officer (South Gloucestershire)
I provide one-to-one casework and support for carers in South Gloucestershire. I offer practical and emotional support to carers and can help with information and signposting on issues such as benefits, Carers Assessments, and other services.

Dee Coogan

Carers Support Officer (Bristol)
As a Carers Support Officer for Bristol, I facilitate carers groups across the city, offer advocacy and emotional support, and carry out assessments to help carers access the right services. I also respond to enquiries via the Carers Line, providing guidance and signposting. With experience in the NHS and charities supporting disabled people—especially in youth services—and as a parent of a child with complex needs, I bring both professional insight and lived experience to the role. I’m passionate about wellbeing, enjoy walking and pilates, and look forward to connecting with carers across Bristol.

Laura Johnson

Carers Assess Worker (South Gloucestershire)
I complete Carers Assessments for South Gloucestershire carers, alongside Kathryn. I also signpost carers to other services, both internal and external.

Alice Lancaster

Parent Carer Support Worker
Hello, I’m Alice, and I offer practical and emotional support to parent carers, one-to-one casework and help with signposting to other services.'

Belinda Daiday

Admin Assistant (Adult Team)
I provide support to the Adult Carers Support team (both Bristol and South Gloucestershire). This involves contacting carers, updating records and reports, processing Carers Emergency Cards, managing Carers Support Group admin and other tasks to support the team.

Pauline Edwards-Samuels

Carers Time Team and Volunteer Development Manager
I am responsible for volunteer development and oversight across the organisation. I support and manage the Carers Break Coordinator and the Counselling Coordinator. I am also a Trustee Board Staff Representative.

Maisy Jefferies

Carers Breaks Coordinator & Volunteer Coordinator 
I am responsible for the Carers Breaks service in South Gloucestershire. I match volunteers to carers, providing support for both and ensuring a positive relationship. I also recruit, develop and supervise volunteers for other volunteer-based services at Carers Support.

Debi Amor

Counselling Co-ordinator 
I manage the telephone, Skype and email Counselling service in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. I also develop and deliver training to other members of the Carers Time team. I update our website to ensure that our wellbeing advice and information about our services is up to date.

Camilla Qureshi

Befriending & Community Connection Co-ordinator
I am responsible for matching volunteers with carers over the age of 55 for our Befriending and Connection service. I also match carers with other carers for ongoing peer support once the service ends and connect them with other local services and support.

Carmen Rodriguez

Walk & Talk Project Manager
Manages the Walk & Talk Project.

Richard Fox

Health Team Manager
I work with University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust to ensure that the Bristol carers strategy is implemented, whilst supporting their own carers strategies. I also manage both the Hospital Carer Liaison workers.

Holly Green

GP Carer Liaison Worker (Bristol)
I am part of the team that delivers support to GP surgeries. We identify and support carers across the area and improve the way carers are involved and supported. We also encourage the identification of carers who currently don’t consider themselves to be a carer. We complete Carers Assessments on behalf of Bristol City Council.

Louise Chambers

GP Carer Liaison Worker (Bristol)
I am part of the team which delivers support to GP surgeries to identify, inform and support carers in Bristol. Main aims are to increase carer identification, improve the way carers are informed and supported in a primary care setting and raise awareness of carers’ issues. I complete carers assessments for BCC.

Mary Bennett

GP Carers Link (Bristol & South Gloucestershire)
I am part of the team that delivers support to GP surgeries to identify, inform, and support carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Our main aims are to increase carer identification, improve the way carers are supported in a primary care setting, and raise awareness of carer’s issues. I complete Carers Assessments on behalf of South Gloucestershire and Bristol City Council.

Jo Wells

Carers Liaison & Discharge Worker (BRI)
I support carers whose loved ones have been admitted to Southmead Hospital. This involves providing info, time to discover their situation/concerns and liaising between them & staff to reduce barriers to discharge and readmission. I support hospital staff so that they can support carers when I’m not on the ward. 

Sam Radford

Carers Liaison & Discharge Worker (BRI)
I support carers whose loved ones have been admitted to the BRI. This involves providing info, time to discover their situation/concerns and liaising between them & staff to reduce barriers to discharge and readmission. I support hospital staff so that they can support carers when I’m not on the ward. 

Ali Henry

Administration Manager
I am responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day administration for CS is provided and that support is given to projects as and when needed. I am the lead for BreatheHR, CharityLog, and IT and act as the CEO's rep in the first instance on H&S. I provide PA services for the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees.

Dennis Agodzo

Opperational Support
I am responsible for providing and managing IT systems and support across the organisation. I also do the same for Bristol Parent Carers on Mondays and help with managing policy meetings for Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Hazel Thompson

Finance Officer / Book Keeper
I am responsible for assisting the Finance Manager with the day-to-day processing of finances (including invoices, petty cash, monies received) and completing pay runs to ensure suppliers are paid in a timely manner.

Leanne Blair

Admin Assistant
I support Carers Support Admin, providing a reception service, dealing with calls and enquiries from callers both face to face and over the phone. I also support the Admin Manager in maintaining developing office systems and records. I deal with mailing lists, post in and out, copying and scanning, processing forms and welcome packs and assisting with recruitment .

Adrian Robson

Communications Manager
I'm the Communications Manager at Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire, where I lead the organisation's communications, digital and media work. I've more than 40 years' experience in communications, much of it in the charity sector. I enjoy finding creative and accessible ways to tell stories, raise awareness of carers and help people discover the support available to them. I am particularly passionate about making sure carers' voices and experiences are heard.

Susy Giullari

Policy Engagement Lead
I engage carers to have a say in how local services are developed, recruit and support carer reps, and bring unresolved issues to meetings. I also explore ways to gather feedback to improve the services Carers Support provides.

Mark Smyth

Fundraising Manager
I lead the fundraising strategy and action plans in collaboration with the SMT and Fundraising team.

Laura O'Hagan-Fox

Trust Fundraiser
I work with the fundraising manager to research funding opportunities, liaise with funders, apply for grants, and compile end-of-grant reports.

Rosie Backhouse

Young Carers Service Manager

I joined Carers Support in July 2026 as Young Carers Service Manager. Since then, I've been getting to know our fantastic team and seeing first-hand the difference they make to young carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Before joining Carers Support, I spent 15 years working in the charity sector, specialising in young people's mental health. I'm passionate about helping young people share their experiences and ensuring those whose needs are often overlooked can access the right support.

One of the things I've loved most so far is seeing young carers come together through our activities and groups, giving them opportunities to make friends, have fun and spend time with others who understand their experiences.

I'm excited to help develop and grow our services so that even more young carers can get the support they need to thrive.

Tracey Close

Operational Team Manager

I manage the operational Bristol and South Gloucestershire Young Carers team to deliver a range of support to young carers. This includes being responsible for supporting and supervising the teams to ensure they deliver an effective and efficient service, quality assurance and monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. I am also the deputy Children and Young People’s Safeguarding lead.

Carol Carter

Senior Young Carers Development Officer (South Gloucestershire) 

I'm a young carers development worker. I support young carers and their families in South Gloucestershire, and have been working at Carers Support since 1997. I oversee activities planning and delivery and also support sessional workers and volunteers. In my spare time, I enjoy the theatre, going to concerts and musicals. I have been a carer for my Mum since I was 13.

Vicki Houselander

Young Carers in School Development worker 

My role is to help schools and colleges improve support for young carers. This includes raising awareness through staff training and pupil assemblies and helping schools work towards achieving a Young Carers in Schools Award. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, reading, spending time in nature and live music.

Lisa Furness

Young Carers Support Worker/Young Adult Carer Support Worker

I support young carers and young adult carers at Carers Support, having joined the team in December 2023.

My background is in youth, arts, and culture, with experience in community projects across Bristol and London, including roles at Creative Youth Network and managing National Citizens Programmes. I hold a master’s in Youth and Community Work and have been a board member at the People's Republic of Stokes Croft since 2019.

I’m passionate about helping young adults navigate the often challenging transition into adulthood—and making space for fun along the way. Outside of work, I’m a keen rugby fan and proud supporter of Bristol Bears.

Naomi Lock

Young Carers Support Worker (Bristol) 

I help young carers and their families in Bristol access the appropriate services and support for them. I undertake Carers Assessments, provide group and one-to-one support, and support young carers in group settings including trips and activities. I have previous experience working with children - mainly in schools, and also holiday clubs. I was also a young carer, so I understand the juggle of managing school and work, maintaining a social life, and fulfilling a care role.

Emily Muntz

Young Carers Support Worker (Bristol) 

Hi! I work with young carers in Bristol, providing 1:1 support and group sessions. I've worked in various roles in education over the last 10 years and I care deeply about young people's mental health. In my spare time I love to do anything arty, and aerial hoop (you can't be stressed when you're hanging upside-down!).

Holly Abraham

Young Carers Support Worker (South Gloucestershire)

I support young carers in the South Gloucestershire area to access the support and services that are appropriate for them. I undertake young carers’ assessments, facilitate one-to-one sessions and support young carers in group settings - including our fun trips and activities! I am a qualified Therapeutic Play Practitioner and training to be a Play Therapist. I am passionate about supporting neurodiversity, positive mental health and love to incorporate fun and creativity into all the work that I do! In my spare time, I am a singer-songwriter and love to paint and spend time in nature.

Sammie Blanchard

Activities Co-ordinator

I co-ordinate activities for Young Carers in Bristol and South Glos, allowing them to have a break from their caring responsibilities and learn new skills.

Abby Sheppard

Youth Engagement Lead

I work with young carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire to help strengthen and develop their voice. My role focuses on supporting the Young Carers Voice Group, creating engaging sessions, and enabling young carers to influence the services that support them, including in education, health and social care.

Katrina Hendley

Young Carers Admin & Operational Support

I'm all about the paperwork behind the scenes - updating records and other essential admin, answering queries and making bookings, for example. If you ring the office, I'll usually be the one answering the phone! Outside work, I love keeping up with pop culture, reading, going for walks - and I'm growing to love cold-water swimming.