Requests for adult social care support have risen by almost 20% (17%) in Bristol (Parliament, 2025), while access to publicly funded care is becoming increasingly restricted as councils prioritise only the most critical cases. 

New findings from local supported living provider SiLS (Supported Independent Living Schemes) show that growing numbers of disabled and vulnerable adults are being left to manage housing, healthcare and daily life with little or no statutory support.

As demand increases and eligibility rules become stricter, many people who would previously have qualified for council‑funded care are now being encouraged to manage on their own. This often means relying on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), family support or informal help. For those without strong support networks, this shift is creating new pressures and widening gaps in care.

According to SiLS' latest Impact Report, the organisation supported nearly 200 Bristol residents who received long‑term independent living support last year. This is a 10% increase in the number of individuals requiring this support compared with the previous year. This highlights the growing demand for community-based outreach support across the city.

National trends reflect the local picture. The number of people receiving PIP has increased from 2.2 million to 2.8 million and is expected to rise to 3.8 million. This growth is partly due to more people being directed toward self‑funded care because council support is not available. However, managing housing, healthcare, benefits and daily life without joined‑up support remains a major challenge.

SiLS report a rapid shift away from council referrals, which previously accounted for 99% of all referrals they received, toward individuals and families seeking support directly. While this can offer greater choice for some, it risks leaving others left behind and unsupported, particularly those without family advocacy or the confidence to navigate complex processes alone.

Justin Rodway, General Manager at SiLS, said: “Throughout Bristol and surrounding areas we're seeing more people who clearly need support but no longer meet the criteria for publicly funded care. That doesn't mean their needs have gone away. It means they are expected to manage very complex situations on their own, often during moments of crisis. 

This can often feel completely overwhelming which is why we offer free and confident care consultations to those who think they need some help but just don't know where to start. Community‑based support services like ours are increasingly needed to fill that gap, helping people stay housed, access healthcare and build the skills they need to live independently.”

The growing focus on community‑based support reflects the NHS Fit for the Future 10‑Year Health Plan for England, which emphasises prevention, independence and earlier support. However, SiLS warns that limited funding and stricter rules mean many people cannot access this help through traditional council services, increasing reliance on community providers.

Without early, coordinated intervention, more people risk reaching crisis point, leading to homelessness, hospital admission or emergency care, outcomes that are damaging for individuals and place further strain on already overstretched public services.

For more than 25 years, SiLS has supported adults across Bristol to live more independently. As demand continues to rise, the organisation is calling for greater recognition of the role community‑based services play in supporting people and filling gaps left by reduced access to publicly funded care.

SiLS is encouraging people who are looking an extra helping hand get in contact, for a free, confidential consultation to explore their options and get help navigating next steps: https://www.mysils.co.uk/