About Liz
Liz Kelly is the managing director of Bridging the Gap Together! (BTGT!), a Community Interest Company based in Weston-super-Mare that supports and empowers individuals and families affected by autism and other neurological conditions. With many years of experience across the voluntary and community sector, Liz is passionate about helping people access the support, opportunities, and services they need to lead fulfilling lives. Her work is shaped by both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of a young person with autism.
Community connection and lived experience
Liz's journey into advocacy and community leadership began following her son's autism diagnosis at the age of four. She became actively involved with the National Autistic Society, later serving as both a branch officer and chair of the North Somerset branch. During this time, she championed a whole-family approach to support, recognising the importance of meeting the needs of not only autistic individuals but also parents, siblings, and extended family members.
Throughout her career, Liz has worked closely with local communities, partner organisations, and public services to improve support for neurodiverse individuals and their families. Her experience has been recognised by local authorities and community groups, leading to involvement with initiatives such as the Parent Carer Forum and the Early Intervention Health Group.
Liz has also held a number of voluntary and leadership roles, including chair of Our Voice Counts, trustee of Supportive Parents (now SAY), trustee of the North Somerset LGBT+ Forum, director of Growth CIC, which focuses on men's mental health, and director of Common|Waves CIC. These roles have given her valuable insight into the diverse needs of local communities and the importance of inclusive, person-centred support.
Why they joined the CPG
"I joined the Community Participation Group because I believe that people and communities should have a genuine voice in shaping the services that affect them. I am committed to ensuring that lived experience is valued and that services are designed in ways that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to people's needs."
What they bring to the CPG
Liz brings extensive experience in community engagement, voluntary sector leadership, and supporting neurodiverse individuals and families. She offers both professional expertise and lived experience, alongside strong relationships across community and VCSE networks. She is particularly passionate about inclusion, mental health, accessibility, and reducing barriers that prevent people from accessing the support they need.
Guided by values of fairness, empathy, and honesty, Liz is committed to helping ensure that community voices are heard and reflected in decision-making. Outside of her professional and voluntary roles, she enjoys photography and sewing, and is motivated by creating opportunities that enable people and communities to thrive.
