Community Catalysts

Community Catalysts: Growing local care options

We’ve teamed up with Community Catalysts to help create more personalised, community-based care options across Gloucestershire—giving people more choice and control over the support they receive.

How we’re waking the difference that matters:

Supporting local entrepreneurs

Community Catalysts helps individuals set up their own self-employed care businesses, offering support to people in their local area.

Investing in small businesses

In the past year, we’ve invested £170,000 to help small care businesses (with 1–8 people) grow—so more people can stay independent at home.

Filling local gaps

Community Catalysts is working to launch new services in areas where they’re most needed. There’s also an online directory where people can:

Find local support
Explore becoming a self-employed Personal Assistant

Meet Heather Vincent – Gloucestershire’s Community Catalyst

Heather is passionate about creating lasting, positive change. She brings a wealth of experience to support new and growing small social enterprises, helping them thrive and make a real impact.

What the programme offers

Coaching and mentoring
Business support
Local networking opportunities

This proven model is already working across the UK. By the end of the project in August 2026, there will be many more small businesses and personal assistants offering personalised care in Gloucestershire—whether people pay privately or use direct payments from the council.

Learn more about Community Catalysts Gloucestershire