Meet the 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.

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.