Bristol Community Links Consultation

What the service does

Bristol Community Links (BCL) is a non-statutory Adult Social Care service. It provides building-based day opportunities and community-based support across Bristol.

The service supports adults with long-term conditions by providing opportunities to build social connections, develop skills and take part in activities in their communities.

As of June 2026, 57 people use the service: 30 at BCL North and 27 at BCL South. Over the past 2 years, the average number of people using the service at one time has been 54.

Most people using the service are adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Some people have dementia, sensory needs, or physical support needs.

The service gives people opportunities to meet others and develop friendships, take part in activities, learn new skills, connect with local community services and groups, and use specialist facilities including a sensory room.

The service also gives support, advice and respite to carers and keeps links with local businesses and community organisations using two main sites: BCL North in Southmead and BCL South in Knowle.

The service is not regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Background to the proposals

In November 2025, Bristol City Council ran a survey to ask people using the service, their families and carers, for feedback.

People told us the following things work well:

• the service provides high-quality care and support
• the service provides valuable social opportunities
• the service provides important respite for families

People also suggested the following improvements:

• a wider range of activities
• better transport options to help people access the community

The BCL buildings are well-established community assets. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people have used the service. Around 20 fewer people use the service now than in 2023, which means there is underused space at both sites.

The buildings also need investment.

BCL North is expected to need around £80,000 investment in the next two years, a further £240,000 in years 5 to 10, and £200,000 in years 10 and beyond.

BCL South is expected to need more than £65,000 investment in the short term, with a further £100,000 in years 5 to 10.

The council will spend around £2.5 million in tax year 2026 to 27 on the BCL service.

This equates to £54.04 per person per hour, or £432 per person per day. This is much higher than the rate charged by independent providers of £22 to £26 per hour (£176 to £208 per day).

The service continues to play an important role in local day services, and there are limited alternatives available locally.

However, the service costs more than similar services, parts of the buildings are underused, and fewer younger people are using the service.

The options in in this consultation have been developed based on available evidence.