Having good care support is a vital community need and opportunity

Case Study: Local Care for Local People through BS3 Community Care

Overview
BS3 Community Care is a not-for-profit Care Introductory Agency serving the BS3 area (population estimated 13,000 residents) in South Bristol. It connects residents with local care and support providers, offering a flexible alternative to traditional home care. This model gives individuals greater control over who provides their care and supports those who want to become care providers by working in ways that suit them.

Launched 10 months ago under the “Local Care for Local People” (LCLP) model, BS3 Community Care uses innovative technology to build trust-based, community-led relationships. Its aim is to improve care standards and ensure that investment benefits the community rather than profits of care companies. Recent growth in care delivery—surpassing activity levels from the past eight months—reflects rising community engagement and the growing success of this local, support-focused approach.

BS3 is a registered charity of 30 years, dedicated to improving wellbeing, connectivity, and inclusion in South Bristol. Through initiatives like the Food Club and Community Connectors, it creates opportunities that respond directly to local community needs.

A vision for local care:
The LCLP initiative, through BS3, is founded on the belief that care should be delivered by local carers to local people through trusted relationships—an approach that prioritises community investment over commercial profit. Unlike traditional care companies that often focus on profit margins, BS3 Community Care is committed to reinvesting in the community, ensuring that resources support local residents. This model champions the idea that care is a vital service best delivered by those who understand and are invested in their community.

Growing Micro-Care Providers:
A vital aspect of BS3’s work through LCLP is its dedication to growing local micro-care providers and supporting individuals who wish to enter the care profession. By valuing and promoting local employment, BS3 is championing a sustainable, community-based care workforce. For example, Syl, a retired head warden at an SEN school for over 45 years, joined the program as a self-employed care provider after being made redundant earlier this year when her previous employer closed. Syl’s story exemplifies how BS3 creates meaningful opportunities for local residents to contribute their expertise, thrive in their communities, and deepen their involvement in providing care.

Key Focus:
Working in partnership with LCLP, BS3 Community Care offers an innovative model that addresses critical issues in the UK care sector—such as financial pressures, rising demand, and inconsistent standards—by using a technology-enabled platform that builds and nurtures trusted relationships between micro-care providers and those in need of care. The model emphasises community-based support and standard elevation through genuine relationships rooted in local knowledge and shared commitment.

Impacts & Benefits:
• Reinforced local economies via support for micro-providers and enterprise development, all with the ultimate goal of benefitting the community rather than generating profit.

• Increased and accessible local employment opportunities, inspiring more residents to consider career paths in care.

• Better recruitment, diversity, and care standards, drawing on the skills and commitment of local residents dedicated to their community’s wellbeing.

Conclusion:
The combined efforts of LCLP and BS3 Community Development demonstrate that sustainable, community-centred care is not only feasible but highly effective. The recent growth in care delivery underscores how investing in local carers—supported through community initiatives and reinvested into local resources—can establish a care system fully aligned with community needs. This approach offers improved health and social outcomes, social cohesion, and ensures that resources and opportunities remain within the community—serving residents, not profits—ultimately strengthening community resilience, inclusion, and wellbeing.

The model can work with VCSEs, charities, and Local Authorities in their care delivery. It can save money on care delivery and raise care standards.

For more information about Local Care for Local People tech contact Claire@tickteam.co.uk, call 07970 009 557