Place of Calm Service

Breathing Space operates as a space for individuals who are suffering from mental health issues or emotional distress to be able to visit and receive immediate support. The service is aimed at anyone who is at risk of a mental health crisis or who is struggling to manage their mental wellbeing and would benefit from professional support.

Direct Award C has been used for the award of this contract. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contract. The services provided are the service specification are not changing considerably

This contract is for a period of 24 months from 01/04/26 to 31/03/28.

This Notice has been published by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.

Breathing Space operates as a space for individuals who are suffering from mental health issues or emotional distress to be able to visit and receive immediate support. The service is aimed at anyone who is at risk of a mental health crisis or who is struggling to manage their mental wellbeing and would benefit from professional support. The service is open daily from 17.30 to 23.00, 365 days a year and offers a space where individuals can engage in activities and access emotional support from a team who can help with crisis prevention and create short-term plans for well-being. The service also includes signposting and referrals to other services that support recovery, resilience, and overall mental health. Breathing Space is available to anyone aged 16 or older who lives in or is registered with a GP in Bath and Northeast Somerset. The service can be accessed by calling their Freephone number or by emailing before 5pm to complete a referral.

Direct Award C has been used for the award of this contract. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contract. The services provided are the service specification are not changing considerably

The Commissioner made the decision of directly awarding the incumbent

Provider Bath Mind in accordance with the following five criteria outlined in Regulation (9) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023:

• Quality and innovation
• Value
• Integration, collaboration, and service sustainability
• Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice
• Social value

The authority is assured that the current provider is delivering this service and outcomes to a satisfactory level and meeting the needs of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Population and provides support for individuals, families and professionals who are suffering from mental health issues or emotional distress to be able to visit and receive immediate support.

The approximate lifetime value of the contract is £432,497 plus NHS cost uplift factor (CUF).

The contract is for two years (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028).

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 27th February 2026 (8 working days following publication of intention to award notice). This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.

This Notice has been published by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.