Community Wellbeing Service to Somerset Integrated Care Board

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a suitably qualified provider to deliver a Community Wellbeing Service that is tailored for children and young people aged between 5-18 living in Somerset or registered with a Somerset GP and in line with the specified requirements.

The Community Wellbeing Service aims to enhance the mental and emotional health of children and young people within the community through various objectives including:

• Early Intervention and Prevention: Identifying and addressing issues at their onset to prevent escalation.
• Promoting Mental Health: Providing resources and support to bolster emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting Families: Offering guidance to families to support their children and young people.
• Social Inclusion: Encouraging participation in community activities to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
• Safety and Protection: Safeguarding children from harm.
• Advocacy and Empowerment: Empowering children and young people to voice their needs and concerns.
• Collaboration and Networking: Building partnerships with other services to create a holistic support network.
• Health Inequalities: Recognizing and respecting diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Outcome Measurement and Evaluation: Continuously monitoring and assessing the impact of services to ensure they meet the needs of children, young people and families.

TUPE is likely to be applicable, further details can be found in the procurement documentation.

The contract term will be for 3 years with an optional extension of any period up to 2 years.

The contract value is £783,000 per annum giving a contract value of £2,349,000 for the initial contract period and £3,915,000 if the full extension period is adopted.

The new service will commence on the 1st October 2024.

This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) is embarking on a procurement process for a Community Wellbeing Service tailored for children and young people aged 5-18 living in Somerset or registered with a Somerset GP.

The Community Wellbeing Service aims to enhance the mental and emotional health of children and young people within the community through various objectives:

• Early Intervention and Prevention: Identifying and addressing issues at their onset to prevent escalation.
• Promoting Mental Health: Providing resources and support to bolster emotional wellbeing.
• Supporting Families: Offering guidance to families to support their children and young people.
• Social Inclusion: Encouraging participation in community activities to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
• Safety and Protection: Safeguarding children from harm.
• Advocacy and Empowerment: Empowering children and young people to voice their needs and concerns.
• Collaboration and Networking: Building partnerships with other services to create a holistic support network.
• Health Inequalities: Recognizing and respecting diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Outcome Measurement and Evaluation: Continuously monitoring and assessing the impact of services to ensure they meet the needs of children, young people and families.

The expected outcomes include:

• Improved mental health and wellbeing.
• Enhanced emotional regulation.
• A more positive experience for children, young people, parents, and carers.
• Increased/improved school attendance, engagement, and performance.
• Strengthened family relationships.
• Improved social skills and relationships.
• Enhanced coping mechanisms.
• Reduction in inappropriate referrals to specialist services.
• Delivery of a less stigmatized alternative to clinically oriented mental health support services.
• Increased access and satisfaction rates for primary care, education settings, and families.

The Community Wellbeing Service will offer Children and Young People's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP-IAPT) interventions, providing early intervention support for various mental health issues. Principles such as participation, accessibility, awareness and accountability guide service delivery.

Accessibility is prioritised through face-to-face, virtual, and group interventions, ensuring a safe and stigma-free environment. Flexibility in session locations and self-referral options are provided.

The service establishes effective links with other agencies for holistic support, including Mental Health Support Teams in Schools (MHSTs), Somerset NHS Foundation Trust services, primary care, education settings and youth work services.

Staffing should comprise of CYP-IAPT trained practitioners, with a focus on induction, training, supervision and ongoing professional development. Governance ensures compliance with information sharing laws and practices, while interdependence with other services promotes seamless care.

Support for parents and carers is emphasised, with recognition of their role in managing their child's care and involvement in the assessment and treatment process.

TUPE is likely to be applicable, further details can be found in the procurement documentation.

The contract term will be for 3 years with an optional extension of any period up to 2 years.

The contract value is £783,000 per annum giving a contract value of £2,349,000 for the initial contract period and £3,915,000 if the full extension period is adopted.

The new service will commence on the 1st October 2024.

This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.