Our History

St Pauls Advice Centre has worked in some of the most densely populated, diverse and vibrant inner city areas of Bristol for over 40 years. Here’s a potted history of our development:

1972   St Pauls Advice Centre (SPAC) opens its doors for the first time

1980   Following the St Pauls uprising, SPAC was centrally involved in developing a defence campaign which served to strengthen community links

1984   Outreach services target Black and minority ethnic people, disabled and older people helping overcome barriers to accessing rights

1998   Specialist benefits advice expanded as a result of securing one of Bristol’s first legal aid franchises

2004   Development of a unique bilingual generalist advice service

2006   Specialist debt advice team, funded by Financial Inclusion Fund

2008   Health outreach service, delivering benefits advice at local health centres

2010   Expansion of services into east Bristol as a result of the demise of East Bristol Advice Service

Today 15 people work in our team, dealing with over 3000 enquiries per year