Further Help and Advice for Carers – Resources and Support

National

Carers Trust (National)
Network of over 140 carers centers, provides information on money, benefits, respite care, employment, holidays, transport, and bereavement.

Carers UK (National)
Provides information, advice, and connects carers. Campaigns for change and offers an online forum for carers.

Family Action (National)
Support for parents and carers.

NHS Social Care and Support Guide (National)
Practical information for carers including financial help, breaks from caring, employment, home adaptations, and more.

Royal British Legion (National)
Support for serving and ex-serving personnel, their families, and carers.

SSAFA (National)
Practical, financial, and emotional support for service personnel, veterans, and their families.

Local

Marie Curie (Local)
Care and support at the end of life. Provides nursing and hospice care, support line, and information on dying, death, and bereavement.

South Glos Parent Carers (Local)
Parents and carers in South Gloucestershire supporting children with disabilities and special needs. Provides advice and works with service providers.

Citizens Advice (Local)
Provides free, impartial advice on employment, housing, and debt. Comprehensive information on benefits and debt.

• Bristol Citizens Advice
• South Gloucestershire Citizens Advice

North Bristol Advice Centre (Local)
Free and independent advice in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Support via phone, email, and face-to-face appointments.

One Stop Shops South Gloucestershire (Local)
Information and advice clinics in Patchway, Yate, and Kingswood.

Wellaware (Local)
Database of health, wellbeing, and community services in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset. Managed by the Care Forum.

General

National

The Care Forum
Promotes health and well-being, challenges inequalities, and enables choices in health and social care. Provides an advocacy service.

NHS Health A to Z
Guide to conditions, symptoms, treatments, and when to get help.

St Peter’s Hospice
Bristol’s only adult hospice, providing free, specialist care for people with life-limiting illnesses across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Their holistic support includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care—delivered at home, in the community, or at their inpatient unit in Brentry. The hospice also offers guidance and support for families and carers.

ADHD

Local

Adult ADHD service - Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS TrustSpecialist service is exclusively for adults who have ADHD or who are seeking a new ADHD diagnosis. 

National

ADHD UK
ADHD UK was established in 2020 with a mission to support everyone affected by ADHD—whether they live with the condition themselves or are family members, friends, colleagues, or employers seeking to better understand and assist.

AADD-UK
AADD-UK aims to raise awareness of adult ADHD, improve public and professional education, ensure fair access to services, and support research across the UK.

Alzheimer's and Dementia

Local

Alzhiemers Society
Use the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Directory to find local support services for people living with dementia and their carers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Bristol Dementia Action Alliance
Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) is a volunteer-led, community-based organisation working to make Bristol a more dementia-aware city. As part of a wider UK network, BDAA promotes understanding, challenges stigma, and supports people with dementia to live well and stay connected to their communities. Through awareness sessions, memory cafés, and inclusive projects, they help ensure that people affected by dementia can continue to engage and contribute for as long as they wish.

Southern Brooks Dementia Information & Support
Southern Brooks offers a comprehensive Dementia Project aimed at making South Gloucestershire more inclusive and accessible for people affected by dementia. Their services include:

• Dementia Awareness Sessions: 45-minute sessions available in person or online for individuals, organisations, and businesses.
• Dementia-Friendly Audits: Assessments of environments and buildings to improve accessibility.
• Memory Café: A welcoming space for people with dementia and their families to connect and share experiences.
• Resources & Guides: Practical advice for after diagnosis and directories of dementia-inclusive services and groups.
• Volunteering Toolkit: Support for those interested in volunteering with dementia-related initiatives.

Delivered in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council and the local ICB.

National

Alzheimer's Society
Support services for people caring for someone with dementia. Includes carers’ support groups, social drop-ins, befriending, advice, and information.

Carers Trust – Caring for Someone with Dementia
This page offers practical advice, emotional support, and links to resources for anyone caring for a person with dementia.

It covers topics such as managing medication, accessing carer assessments, planning for legal and financial matters, and maintaining your own wellbeing.

The site also signposts to national organisations like Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society, and encourages carers to connect with local services for tailored support. A downloadable guide is available, offering insights for carers at all stages, including those supporting someone with young-onset dementia.

Dementia UK
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nursing charity that supports families facing dementia. Their Admiral Nurses provide free, expert advice, guidance, and emotional support to anyone affected by dementia, including carers and family members.

The Lewy Body Society
The Lewy Body Society is the only UK charity—and the first in Europe—dedicated exclusively to Lewy body dementia. It provides information, advocacy, and support for people affected by this complex and often misdiagnosed condition, while also funding research and raising public awareness.

Rare Dementia Support
Rare Dementia Support (RDS) provides specialist social, emotional, and practical support for individuals and families affected by rare dementia diagnoses. These include conditions such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD), and others.

Young Onset Dementia
Dementia UK provides specialist information and support for people diagnosed with young-onset dementia—where symptoms appear before the age of 65. Their dedicated section includes guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, living well with the condition, and accessing age-appropriate support. The site also hosts the Young Dementia Network, a community of people affected by young-onset dementia and professionals working to improve services.

UK Dementia Directory
The UK dementia directory is your one-stop online resource for dementia support, helpful information, great products and vital services across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are here to help you find the right information you need on some of the many issues and facts to support and guide you wherever you live.

Autism

Local

Autism Central
National centralised support for parents and carers of autistic children and adults with local hubs. Bristol Autism Support is the Southwest regional hub.

The Hive
Local – Supports adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults across Bristol and South Gloucestershire to lead more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Brain Injury

Local

Headway Bristol
Headway Bristol is a local charity supporting adults affected by brain injury across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. With over 40 years of experience, they offer centre-based rehabilitation, outreach support, and group programmes to help individuals regain independence and improve wellbeing. They also provide guidance and respite for families and carers.

Cancer

Local

NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre – North Bristol NHS Trust
Located at Southmead Hospital, the NGS Macmillan Wellbeing Centre offers free information, advice, and emotional support for people affected by cancer, including their families and carers. Services include drop-in sessions, one-to-one support, help with finances and benefits, and guidance on diet, exercise, and wellbeing. A warm, welcoming space with refreshments and quiet rooms is available.

Penny Brohn UK
Penny Brohn UK is a Bristol-based charity supporting people living with cancer and their loved ones through a holistic approach to wellbeing. Their services include counselling, complementary therapies, nutrition advice, gentle exercise, and emotional support—delivered both in person and online. The charity’s Whole Life Approach helps people feel more in control, supported, and connected during and after treatment.

National

Brain Tumour Support
A UK charity offering free, specialist support to anyone affected by any type of brain tumour—patients, carers, families, and friends. Their services include emotional and practical support, counselling, peer groups, and guidance from diagnosis onwards, for as long as it’s needed.

Macmillan
Macmillan Cancer Support is a UK-wide charity offering free, confidential help to people affected by cancer. Their services include emotional support, financial guidance, information about treatment, and access to Macmillan nurses. Whether you're living with cancer, caring for someone, or worried about symptoms, Macmillan is here to help.

Disability

Local

Bristol Disability Equality Forum
An organization of, and for, disabled people.

WECIL
User-led organisation supporting disabled people. Services include advice, information, advocacy, social opportunities, and employment help.

National

SCOPE
Free, independent, and impartial advice and support for disabled people and their families.

Drugs and Alcohol

Local

Bristol Drugs Project (BDP)
A city-wide charity offering free, confidential support to people affected by drug and alcohol use. With over 35 years of experience, BDP provides harm reduction services, one-to-one support, outreach, and specialist help for young people, families, and marginalised communities. Their inclusive approach helps people make positive changes at their own pace.

Hawkspring
Support for families affected by drug and alcohol misuse in South Bristol. Hawkspring offers 1:1 support, group sessions, and practical help for individuals and families affected by substance misuse. They also support children and concerned family members.

South Gloucestershire Drug and Alcohol Service
Free and confidential help for anyone struggling with drugs or alcohol.

National

Rehab4Addiction
National – Advisory and referral service for alcohol, drug, and behavioural addiction.

Huntington's

National

Huntington’s Disease Association
Advice, support, information, and specialist services for people with Huntington’s Disease and their families.Condition:

Learning disabilities

Local

The Hive
Supports people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers. Provides healthcare, education, housing, leisure, and benefits support.

National

Home Farm Trust
Local – National charity providing local support for people with learning difficulties.

Mencap
National – Advice and information service for people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers.

Multiple Sclerosis 

Local

Multiple Sclerosis People’s Help
Free support to people with MS in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset including general DIY in garden and home.

Parkinson's

Local

Bristol Parkinson’s Society
Information, friendship, and support to local people with Parkinson’s, their families, and carers.

Parkinson’s Face2Face
Confidential support and information to anyone living with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonisms, including family, friends, and carers.

PSP

National

PSPA
Support and information for people with PSP and CBD, and their families and carers.

SEND

Local

Bristol Parent Carers
Volunteer parent carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), work with local SEND services. Supported by Carers Support Centre.

Special Needs

Local

Nothing Special
Promotes fun, fitness, and friendships for people with additional needs through groups and events.

Stroke

Local

Bristol After Stroke
Local charity offering practical, emotional, and social support to stroke survivors and carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Services include one-to-one guidance from Key Workers, friendly peer support groups, carer support, counselling, and activities to rebuild confidence. Accessible venues and a welcoming team help ensure you’re never alone on your recovery journey.

Different Strokes – Bristol Stroke Exercise Group
A welcoming, peer-led exercise and support group for stroke survivors and their families in Bristol, run by volunteers who truly understand the journey. The group meets twice a week, offering a friendly space to connect, build strength, and regain confidence through gentle physical activity.

Thornbury Stroke Group
Peer support and activities for stroke survivors. Thornbury Stroke Group offers social connection, creative activities, and peer support for people recovering from stroke. The group helps members rebuild confidence, discover new interests, and enjoy life after stroke in a friendly, welcoming environment.

National

Stroke Association
The UK’s leading stroke charity, offering information, emotional support, and local groups for stroke survivors and carers. Services include recovery guidance, practical help, and opportunities to connect with others.

Different Strokes
A charity run by younger stroke survivors for younger stroke survivors, providing peer support, local groups, online resources, and tailored help for people of working age.

Tourette syndrome

National

Tourettes Action
Tourettes Action is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families.

Visual Impairment

Local

Sight Support West of England
Sight Support West of England provides practical advice, emotional support, and tailored services for people living with sight loss across Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Whether newly diagnosed or living with sight loss for years, they help individuals stay independent, active, and connected through local hubs, digital skills sessions, social groups, and sight loss advisors.

Bristol Black Carers (Local)
Information and advice, training, carers support group, support to black carers.

Bristol Multi Faith Forum (Local)
Acts as an agency for inter-faith and intercultural community cohesion and social harmony.

Bristol Somali Resource Centre (Local)
Supports socially and economically disadvantaged people, particularly of Somali origin, living/working in Bristol.

Carers Connected
A Christian Zoom group offering emotional and prayer support for unpaid carers of adults. Run by the charity Embracing Age, it provides a space to chat, reflect, and pray with others who share faith and understanding. 

Chinese Community Wellbeing Society (Local)
Assistance and services to improve quality of life for Chinese women. Operates the Chinese Lantern Project helpline.

Dhek Bhal (South Asian Carers’ Support) (Local)
Respite for carers of South Asian elders through sitting service, day center, outreach support, and carer support group.

Refugee Women of Bristol (Local)
Multi-ethnic, multi-faith organization targeting refugee women’s needs in Bristol.

Disabled Holidays
A travel company that offers a selection of accessible holidays from self-catering to all inclusive deals in the UK and abroad. Most of the accommodation is wheelchair accessible. They can also arrange for the hire of disability equipment at the holiday accommodation.

Enable Holidays
A tour operator that offers a range of accommodation suitable for people with limited mobility in various locations both UK and abroad.

Tourism for All
A charity specialising in helping people to find accessible holiday information, including accommodation. They operate a membership scheme with a small annual charge.

Revitalise
A national charity providing short breaks and holidays for disabled people and their carers.

Dementia Adventure 
Specialises in holidays for people with dementia and their carers, friends or families.

Alive Activities 
Alive is a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and their carers. 

Age UK Bristol (Local)
Information and advice, advocacy service for people moving into care homes, telephone befriending, activities, and computer learning.

Age UK South Glos (Local)
Information and advice, Day Services (including activity clubs for respite days), nail cutting, befriending, gardening, and insurance services.

Bristol Grandparents Support Group (BGSG)
BGSG offers understanding and support to grandparents who are estranged from their grandchildren. The group provides a listening ear, resources like the I Will Survive self-help booklet, and opportunities to connect with others facing similar challenges. Their compassionate, non-judgmental approach helps grandparents feel less alone.

Independent Age (National)
Free, impartial advice to older people and their families on care, support, money, benefits, health, mobility, and loneliness.

OPAAL  (National)
A charity promoting resources to help older people and their carers speak up for themselves, while supporting and championing independent advocacy services and providers.

Relatives and Residents Association (National)
Information, advice, and support for older people and their families/friends. Includes a telephone advice line and online chat service.

Access Social Care (National) Access Social Care provides free legal advice to people with social care needs, helping to achieve a better quality of life.

Bristol Law Centre (Local)
Free legal advice and advocacy for unwaged and low-paid people, and those experiencing unlawful discrimination.

Bristol Refugee Rights (Local)
Upholds and champions the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees.

Local

The Bristol Carer’s Wellbeing Grant
Parent carers in Bristol can apply for a Carer’s Wellbeing Grant. This grant is for parent carers of disabled children up to 18 living within the Bristol Local Authority. It is a one-off payment of up to £200 to enable carers to purchase something that will benefit their wellbeing either by giving them a break or easing the pressure of the care role. It can be applied for once every 12 months. 

Talking Money 
Free, independent, specialist money advice. Includes debt, energy debt, benefits, and income maximisation.

St Monica Trust – Funding for Individuals

Who it's for:
Adults aged 55+ living in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, or North Somerset who are experiencing financial hardship due to health or personal circumstances.

What’s available:
Short-term grants of £144/month for up to 3 months to help during a crisis (e.g. bereavement, illness, benefit delays).
One-off gift payments for essential items like furniture, clothing, flooring, or disability-related equipment.

Good to know:
Support is not means-tested and won’t affect benefits or tax credits. Applications can be made online or by post.

National

StepChange Debt Charity

Who it's for:
Anyone in the UK struggling with debt or financial hardship.

What’s available:

• Free, confidential debt advice
• Tailored debt solutions including Debt Management Plans (DMPs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), and more
• Help with budgeting, dealing with bailiffs, rent or mortgage arrears, and emergency financial support

Good to know:
StepChange is a registered charity offering non-judgmental, expert support online and by phone. Their services are completely free and won’t affect your credit score just by seeking advice.

Turn2us 

Who it's for:

Anyone in financial hardship, including families, carers, and individuals facing sudden financial shocks.

What’s available:

• Free tools to check benefit entitlement
• A searchable database of charitable grants
• Information on help with energy and water costs
• Access to local advisors for personalised support

Good to know:

Turn2us runs national grant programmes and offers practical help online, by phone, and through partner organisations.

Local

We Care and Repair 
Home improvement and repair services for those over 60, people with disabilities, low-income, or coming out of hospital.

Bristol Community Transport
Accessible vehicles for hire by not-for-profit organisations.

Driving and Mobility Centre, West of England (Local)
Assessments for driver and passenger needs with fully adapted cars and wheelchair/scooter advice.

Green Community Travel
Volunteer drivers for essential travel in South Gloucestershire.

Four Towns and Vale Community Transport 
Essential travel and social trips in South Gloucestershire for Diamond Travel Card holders.

Kingswood Community Transport 
Accessible vehicles for those unable to use public transport, including a doctor's shuttle and shopping trips.

Warmley Wheelers
Adapted bikes for people with disabilities, health conditions, and supported needs.

Accessible Transport Advice Service (ATAS)
Practical travel advice and support for disabled people and carers.  ATAS offers free, personalised advice to help disabled people and carers access safe, reliable transport. They can help with journey planning, accessible vehicle options, and local transport schemes. The service is not-for-profit and covers Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Bristol Community Transport 
Accessible vehicles for hire by not-for-profit organisations.

Driving and Mobility Centre, West of England
Assessments for driver and passenger needs with fully adapted cars and wheelchair/scooter advice.

Green Community Travel 
Volunteer drivers for essential travel in South Gloucestershire.

Four Towns and Vale Community Transport 
Essential travel and social trips in South Gloucestershire for Diamond Travel Card holders.

Kingswood Community Transport 
Accessible vehicles for those unable to use public transport, including a doctor's shuttle and shopping trips.

Warmley Wheelers
Adapted bikes for people with disabilities, health conditions, and supported needs.

Local

One Front Door 
Support is available for employment, training, or volunteering opportunities in Bristol.

Local

Bristol Community Arts 
Educational opportunities promoting well-being and community participation.

Bristol Mind 
Information about mental health and local services. Has a confidential freephone helpline.

Bristol Wellbeing College 
Offers free, supportive workshops and courses designed to help carers look after their own mental health and wellbeing. Whether you're feeling stretched, need space to reflect, or want to build confidence and resilience, the college provides a safe and welcoming environment to explore self-care. With flexible, easy-to-join sessions—both online and in person—you can choose what works best for you, with no referral needed.

The Harbour 
Counselling for those facing death, dying, and bereavement. Individual and couples sessions.

The Mindful Life
Helps Carers cope with stress and difficult emotions using mindfulness-based approaches, running taster sessions, introductory mindfulness programmes and ongoing weekly meditations. Free to participants.

Rethink Carers Service (Local)
Help for carers supporting mental well-being. Includes one-to-one meetings, telephone support, educational seminars, group support, and hospital liaison service.

National

Let’s Talk About Loss (National)
Safe space for young people to talk about losing someone close.

Next Link (National)
Domestic abuse support, women's mental health support, and rape/sexual abuse victim support.

Samaritans (National)
24/7 helpline for those needing someone to talk to.

Wellspring Healthy Living Centre offers low-cost health, fitness and well-being classes in Bristol.