New Carers Community Café Opens in Frome Vale

Local space offers support, connection and a cuppa for unpaid carers in Fishponds 

A brand-new Carers Community Café is launching at the Vassall Community Hub, offering a lifeline of support and connection for local unpaid carers. 

Run in partnership by Bristol Charities and Carers Support, the café is held monthly at the Vassall Community Hub in Fishponds and provides a welcoming space where carers can take a well-earned break, meet others who understand the challenges they face, and access support—all over a hot drink and a friendly chat. 

The Frome Vale Carers Community Café takes place on the fourth Wednesday of every month, with upcoming dates on 23 July and 20 August, 10am–12pm at The Vassall Community Hub, Gill Avenue, BS16 2QQ. The sessions are completely free to attend, with no need to book. 

Julian Mines, CEO of Bristol Charities, said: “I am delighted to see the cafés come to life, creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that offer both practical support and a genuine sense of belonging and improved wellbeing for carers and the wider community. 

Carers carry an often-invisible load, the emotional, physical and mental toll of supporting others, often without recognition. This initiative is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together to recognise, support, and uplift those who give so much to others.” 

Carers Support, who have supported carers across Bristol and South Gloucestershire for nearly three decades, know first-hand how isolating the role of a carer can be. Many carers juggle complex responsibilities without recognition, pay or regular breaks. Recent figures show that 81% of carers report feeling lonely, and nationally over 1.2 million unpaid carers are living in poverty. 

“We’ve seen how transformative something as simple as a regular coffee morning can be,” said Lucy Giles, Interim CEO at Carers Support. “It gives carers time for themselves, space to talk, and a sense that they are not alone.” 

The café is part of a wider programme across the city, with other sessions running in St George (for Somali carers) and Stockwood (launching soon). The Frome Vale café is supported through funding from Bristol Charities' Ella Mary Merchant grant programme and embedded within their wider work to build stronger, more connected communities. 

Anyone in a caring role—whether that’s looking after a partner, parent, child or friend—is welcome to drop in. 

For more information, contact Pauline at Carers Support: 📞 0117 958 9988 or 07840 822273 📧 paulinee@carersbsg.org.uk 🌐 Vassall Community Hub