Published date: 31 May 2024
Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract.
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Closing: 12 June 2024, 12pm
Contract summary
Industry
Health and social work services - 85000000
Location of contract
England
Value of contract
£50,000
Procurement reference
MEDWAY001-DN726589-23249560
Published date
31 May 2024
Closing date
12 June 2024
Closing time
12pm
Contract start date
30 June 2024
Contract end date
21 December 2024
Contract type
Service contract
Procedure type
Open procedure (above threshold)
What is an open procedure (above threshold)?
Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.
This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
No
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
No
Description
1.1 Medway Council is one of 75 eligible Local Authorities taking part in the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme in England https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/family-hubs-and-start-for-life-programme
1.2 The Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme is currently running until the end of March 2025. The funding which has been provided as part of the programme must be utilised before this date.
1.3 There are specific requirements and timelines for delivering against aspects of the programme as set out in the Family Hubs and Start for Life framework and service expectations https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/family-hubs-and-start-for-life-programme-local-authority-guide.
1.4 The Local Authority is responsible for using the Family Hubs and Start for Life funding to improve provision of support for mild-to-moderate perinatal mental heath and parent-infant relationships. Moderate-to-severe (specialist) provision falls under the remit of Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board.
1.5 The Programme Guide (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62f0ef83e90e07142da01845/Family_Hubs_and_Start_for_Life_programme_guide.pdf) sets out an expectation for local areas to "establish a local perinatal and parent-infant mental health strategy (with sustainable plans beyond the funding period), to support strategic planning / delivery and joined-up working across the whole system"
1.6 A robust governance structure has already been established for PMH & PIR in Medway with commissioners and service leads meeting regularly to guide system improvements. However, a strategy has not yet been produced.
1.7 A number of services and interventions have already been commissioned using the funding provided. These include a PMH & PIR service with Family Action, baby massage training, singing therapy, a mental health web app, a mindful parenting programme and additional staff in maternity and health visiting teams. PIR training has not yet been fully commissioned and it is recognised that there is a need for development in this area.
1.8 As part of the Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, a Parent-Carer Panel has been set up to encourage co-design and co-production of services. However, for PMH & PIR there is a need to engage more widely with seldom heard voices and research both the efficacy of current provision and how gaps can be best filled taking into account the diverse needs of Medway's population.
How to apply
Follow the instructions given in the description or the more information section.
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