Family resources
A trusted guide to help you navigate services, access support and feel supported as a carer.
Sharing Hello, my name is Sam Radford, and I am the Family Liaison Officer with Jessie May.
I bring personal lived experience as both a young carer and an adult family carer, alongside a 40‑year career in adult care – supporting people from transition years through to older adulthood across Health & Social Care, Independent Advocacy, Care Act Advocacy and Carers Support.
My role at Jessie May is to help you navigate the challenges you face as a parent carer. This may include:
- Supporting you to liaise and engage with social care professionals
- Helping you self‑advocate, or connecting you with advocacy partners
- Signposting and referring you to carers support, parent carer networks and events
- Sharing information to ensure your voices and experiences are heard and help shape change locally
This page has been created with you in mind – a place to find resources in your area, as well as national support that may help you in your caring role. of information to ensure your voices and experiences are heard and shape change through the local community and providers.
Please note: If the need is urgent, please phone our team on 0117 9582172 or email Sam, after you have made the request we can action urgently.
Financial Support for Carers
Carers Wellbeing Grant (Parent Carers of Children Under 18)
A one‑off payment to support parent carers’ wellbeing so they can continue caring for their child.
Availability varies by local authority.
Bristol example:
Carers Assessments (Adult Carers Supporting Adults 18+)
Carers Assessments (Adult Carers Supporting Adults 18+)
A Carer’s Assessment looks at your caring role and what support you may need. Some areas offer a one‑off payment (e.g., up to £300 in Bristol, £200 in South Glos). A full assessment may lead to direct payments for complex caring roles.
Useful guides:
Local Carer Support Services
Bristol & South Gloucestershire
Parent Carer Forums:
Swindon
Wiltshire
Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES)
General Carer Support
Mobilise (Online 24/7 Support)
Digital support for carers including articles, EHCP guidance, shared stories and professional resources.
Practical Support & Applications
Changing Places Toilets (Accessible Toilet Locator)
Find fully accessible Changing Places toilets with hoists and adult‑sized changing benches.
Expert information, advice and national campaigns.
Blue Badge
Local council info
Carers Emergency Cards
Peace of mind if something happens to you and emergency care needs to be arranged.
Carer’s Allowance
Check eligibility and apply.
Cinema Companion Card
For disabled people aged 5+ who need someone to accompany them to the cinema.
Cost: £6.50
Carers Trust
National charity supporting unpaid carers through local partners and policy influence.
Dates for Your Diary
9th -15th June – Carers Week – https://www.carersweek.org
20th November – Carers Rights Day – Carers Rights Day | Carers UK
11th March – Young Carers Action Day – Young Carers Action Day
Siblings Day – Celebrate National Siblings Day on 10th April 2026 – Sibs
For Families
Soundabout
Inclusive online or hybrid music‑making sessions for children and young people with SEND.
https://soundabout.org.uk
Sensory music example – https://youtu.be/dJQizlLjGH8
Walk & Talk Groups for Parent Carers (SEND)
Blaise Castle Estate [NEW OFFER]
Thursdays: 8, 15, 22, 29 January & 5, 12 February
10:00–11:30
https://www.carersbsg.org.uk/advice-and-support/parent-carers (carersbsg.org.uk in Bing)
