Provision of a Befriending Service

The Council of the London Borough of Waltham Forest (“the Authority”) are seeking Tenders from suitably experienced and qualified organisations for the Contract for the provision of a befriending service.

The contract shall commence on 1st January 2025 and shall continue up to and including 31st December 2026 with the option to extend by a further two 12 month extensions up to 31st December 2028 (“the Contract Period”).

The Authority is seeking to appoint a provider(s) to deliver a befriending service to residents within London Borough of Waltham Forest. The service will deliver a minimum of 190 active befriending matches a year. The Authority may vary this Contract over the Contract Period to increase capacity based on residents need. The Service will collaborate with the existing LBWF, Health and VCSE organisations to support the wellbeing of clients to reduce so isolation and meet client goals to build independence and resilience.

The service is targeted at those aged over 18 that are known to Adult Social Care and partner organisations to deliver the following outcomes:

• Reduce experience of loneliness/social isolation
• Increase the independence of individuals
• Support individuals to increase their resilience
• Help to build positive connections and networks
• Support mental & physical wellbeing
• Increase the diversity of volunteer characteristics and experience to support befriending needs.

The duration of the contract will be for twenty-four (24) months with the option to extend by a further two 12 month extension (24), total maximum contract length will be forty-eight months (48).

The maximum budget available, over the potential four-year contractual period, including any extensions is £752,000.00. The maximum contract value per annum is therefore, £188,000.00.