Provision of Accommodation Based Services for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Bridgend County Borough Council is seeking bids from suitable providers for a housing related support service, which will provide services to Survivors of Domestic Abuse across the county borough.

The service will provide an access to a suitable and secure refuge accommodation to individuals leaving an abusive situation. The service will continue to provide 19 units of entry, assessment, and supported shelter accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and their family members. 6 of the 19 units are classed as dispersed housing, which are community-based, lower level support and more of an independent living option.

A placement in this service will serve the ultimate purpose of preventing / relieving homelessness and providing safe refuge for women and their families to flee abuse. Whilst in placement Survivors individual support needs can be fully assessed and addressed.

This tender exercise aims to identify and appoint a high quality specialist Provider(s) to build upon existing provision and deliver services, responding to the needs of and supporting individuals and households, who have or are experiencing domestic abuse.

Provision will support the purpose of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and the objectives set out in the National Strategy for Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 2016-2021 and subsequent statutory guidance.

It will support the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Strategy as adopted by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg VAWDASV Steering Group.

These services will also assist the Council in meeting the aims and objectives set out in the Council’s Housing Support Programme Strategy 2022-2026 and subsequent Action Plan.

The initial contract period of this provision will be three years, commencing on 1st October 2024 with an option to extend for another 24 months.

The service will assist with the vision of the Housing Support Grant that promotes “A Wales where nobody is homeless, and everyone has a safe home where they can flourish and live a fulfilled, active and independent life”.

Provision will also support the Council in fulfilling its duties under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015,