
Carers Support Group
Carers play a key role in supporting those in our Brightwell Community
Caregivers can be paid support workers, but more often they are individuals who look after a family member, partner, or friend who has a physical or mental illness, disability, or, often, in our Brightwell community, they are supporting someone living with a neurological or chronic conditions.
Our Carers Support Group is led by Wendy Patterson.

Wendy has had a long-standing interest and commitment to the importance of supporting carers in the vital role they play - a role which can be very rewarding but sometimes demanding and exhausting.
Wendy has experience working with carers in a variety of ways throughout her career as a Medical Social Worker, NHS Disability Services Manager, Counsellor and within several different voluntary sector services. More personally, she has had first-hand experience, over the years, of being a carer to four different family members, most recently, and for many years, for her husband, who had MS.
How can I get involved?
The group offers the opportunity to meet up with others in a similar situation, attend talks, social meetings, and find out information from our Carers Information Point.
It is a friendly and welcoming group, and Wendy offers a wealth of experience and knowledge.
There has been a talk by Sirona regarding falls prevention and other local community-based Carers Groups. The meetings are usually held on a monthly basis at the Centre on a Thursday from 2 – 4 pm.
Carers Information Point

We have a Carers’ Information Point in the seating area to the right of the Café.
This has the main notice board with useful information and updates, plus some useful leaflets to take away.
Keeping in touch with The Brightwell
We very much hope that you will be able to benefit from the support that this group offers. Updates and information are available through our Blog.
Alternatively, please sign up for our monthly Newsletter.
You can also call 01454 201686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk
Useful Links
Carers UK
Mobilise Bristol
support.mobiliseonline.co.uk/bristol
The Carers Support Centre (Bristol & South Gloucestershire)
Bristol City Council Care Direct
www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/social-care-and-health/carers/support-for-carers
North Somerset Council Carers Support
n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/adult-social-care-support/support-carers
Local Carers Centres in England
Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire
www.carersbsg.org.uk
Tel: 01179 652 200
North Somerset Carers Support
www.alliancehomes.org.uk/support/support-for-carers
Tel: 03000 120 120
Somerset Carers Hub
www.somersetcarers.org
Tel: 0800 31 68 600
Gloucestershire Carers Hub
www.bewellglos.org.uk/gloucestershire-carers-hub
Tel: 0300 111 9000
Bath and North East Somerset Carers Network
www.banescarerscentre.org.uk
Tel: 0800 0388 885
Local Carers Centres in Wales
Wales Carers Network
www.carersuk.org/the-network/the-network-in-wales
Tel: 0300 772 9702
Monmouthshire Carers Network
www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/social-care/carers-project
Tel: 01291 635 666
