COV - Mental health support service for victims of domestic abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced new statutory duties on local authorities to provide a range of support to victims in 'safe accommodation' (i. e. refuge / dispersed accommodation or sanctuary-type schemes).

As an element of a range of support for victims, the City Council introduced a pilot for the provision of a new service, supporting the mental health needs of victims in safe accommodation. This pilot has operated since September 2021 and will expire at the end of June 2024. Further to the pilot for the provision of a service supporting the mental health needs of victims in safe accommodation ending in June 2024, Coventry City Council wishes to put a new contract in place for this service to commence on the 1st July 2024.

The Provider of this service shall be required to provide mental health support for victims in safe accommodation and potentially additional provision for mental health support for victims accessing community-based provision (subject to new legislation placing a new statutory duty on local authorities and the availability of funding). It is not known at this stage if/when the legislation for victims accessing community-based provision requiring mental support will be approved. See Invitation To Tender documentation for further details.