Unpaid Carer Support Service

Midlothian Council seeks a single Provider to be the main service delivering a range of community based unpaid carer support services to relevant carers in Midlothian. The services will support carers in a range of carer roles and circumstances, including carers who are currently underserved within services. The service contract is focussed on delivery of Midlothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) Unpaid Carer Strategy (2025-28), and the Provider will support development and delivery of future strategies in place during the duration of the contract. The Provider is expected to work collaboratively with statutory and Third Sector Providers in Midlothian. The funding to support the contract is fixed over the term.

The Authority seeks proposals for unpaid carer support services to implement the Midlothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) Unpaid Carer Strategy (2025-2028) and Action Plan, and Midlothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) Strategic Plan, delivering on priorities and improve outcomes for carers through prevention and early intervention community-based support services. The service will include the operation of a Carer Centre and a range of services offering support to adult carers in a variety of caring roles and circumstances. Services will work collaboratively with others (Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Council, and Third Sector partners) to be part of a network of carer support, ensuring carers receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

The service is being commissioned to undertake direct service delivery that will meet the local authority duties under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, by delivering services to meet identified requirements; including the right to be identified, offered an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP), and access to information, advice, and support. Services are being commissioned with the intention of delivering services and outcomes for carers based on the Midlothian IJB Unpaid Carer Strategy 2025-28.

Areas of service include:

• Information and advice services covering a range of themes relevant to the caring role.
• Delivering opportunities for individual, group and peer, carer support including completion of Adult Carer Support Plans, future planning, and breaks from caring.
• Participation in and contribution to activities supporting strategic development and delivery of services and strategies in Midlothian for carers and the wider community.