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Bristol Carer Service

Carer support

01179031803

Last updated: 10/09/2026

Monday - Thursday :
9.30 - 5pm
Friday - Sunday :
Closed

We help family members, partners and friends of Bristol adults with mental health needs. Whether or not you think you are a ‘carer’, advice and support is available.

When someone close to you is unwell or in crisis, it can feel overwhelming and lonely.  We arrange a phone call with a member of staff specialised in understanding the complexities of caring for someone with a mental illness. Everyone is different, we offer a personalized service to people from all backgrounds, we offer a listening ear, help you access support, information and connect with groups. You need to 18 or over and the person you support should be over 16 and living in Bristol

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Upcoming changes to the service from 1st October 2026

As you may be aware, Bristol City Council has recently recommissioned the service. Following a competitive tender process, Rethink Mental Illness have formed a partnership with Bristol-based mental health organisation Second Step, which will lead the delivery of community support services. Rethink will continue to lead support for carers of people living with mental illness.

We are delighted with this outcome as it allows us to focus exclusively on carers and dedicate additional resources to ensuring that they receive the support they need. We remain committed to helping carers maintain their well-being and continue in their caring roles.

As part of the new service specified by Bristol City Council, there will be some changes to how support is delivered. The aim is to provide a more structured approach, with a range of support options tailored to each person’s needs. These includes carers’ groups and activities, psychoeducation programmes, and targeted interventions designed to help carers develop coping strategies and build confidence.

From 1 October 2026, the service will operate a three-tier model:

Tier 1: Information, Advice and Guidance (in-the-moment support for up to three sessions)

·     Access to information, signposting and self-help resources.

·     Support to identify services and opportunities available in the community.

Tier 2: Targeted Support (three months of structured support)

·        Time-limited one-to-one interventions.

·        Access to our Care and Coping psychoeducation programme.

·        Structured support to help carers develop practical skills and strategies.

Tier 3: Enhanced Support (up to six months of structured support)

·        Longer-term one-to-one support for carers experiencing more complex challenges.

·        Individualised interventions tailored to specific circumstances and needs.

Keeping in touch

Over the coming weeks and months, we plan to work with all carers who are currently accessing support to understand their needs and identify the most appropriate pathway under our new model.
We recognise that change can sometimes feel unsettling, and we want to reassure you that we will approach these conversations collaboratively and with care.

Our focus is on making sure that all carers know what support is available and how to access it. We will continue to work with you as the new service takes shape and will provide updates as plans develop.