Councillor Lorraine Francis Visits Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire

6th May 2025

On Tuesday 6 May 2025, Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire was pleased to welcome Councillor Lorraine Francis, Chair of Bristol City Council’s Adult Social Care (ASC) Committee, for a special visit to our services and to meet with local carers.

As Chair of the ASC Committee, Cllr Francis holds key responsibilities for adult social care, safeguarding, carer support, and more. 

The visit, which ran from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, offered a valuable opportunity for carers and staff to raise vital issues with a key local decision-maker. It also helped strengthen our ongoing dialogue with the ASC Committee.

What Happened on the Day

After a warm welcome from our CEO Lucy Giles, Councillor Francis took part in a powerful Carers Voice session. She heard directly from carers including:

• Phoebe Wilson, who shared the challenges facing young adult carers.
• Judy Gowenlock, who spoke about supporting a partner with young-onset dementia.
• Martin Hewitt and Martin Garrett, both parents caring for adults with severe learning disabilities, with Martin G also supporting a partner with dementia.
• David Sullivan, who cares for his elderly mother with a physical disability.

These honest and moving accounts helped illustrate the range of pressures unpaid carers face every day.

Susy Giullari, our Policy Engagement Lead, presented key lobbying issues currently facing carers in the Bristol area, including concerns about:

• The lack of services specifically tailored for those with young-onset dementia.
• Financial challenges, including local authority charges for care.
• Delays in home adaptations.
• The invisibility of young adult carers in support planning.
• Progress on the Adult Autism Strategy and the implementation of Sir Stephen Bubb’s "Building Rights" report.

A Tour of Carers Support Services

Following the discussion, Cllr Francis was given a guided tour of our services. She met staff from:

• Carers Time, led by Pauline Edwards-Samuels, who explained how the programme offers respite, connection, and wellbeing support.
• CarersLine and Carers Support, introduced by Senior Carers Support Officer Luke Knee.

The visit concluded with a photo session and informal discussions with our team.

Looking Ahead

We are grateful to Councillor Francis for taking the time to listen and engage so fully. Her visit was not only a chance to highlight the essential work of unpaid carers but also an important step in strengthening our collaboration with Bristol City Council.

We hope this dialogue will continue to grow and translate into meaningful action to support carers across the city.