18-25 Autism Support

Thurrock Council is overseeing the procurement process for the "18-25 Autism Support" service, aimed at assisting young adults with autism and complex needs in achieving greater independence. The procurement, rooted in the social services industry, falls under the "light touch" regime and is planned to take place in the UKH32 region, specifically Grays, United Kingdom. As of the latest update on 29th August 2025, it remains in the planning stage.

Key procurement activities include a future notice date scheduled for 2nd March 2026, with the contract expected to commence on 1st September 2026 and conclude by 31st August 2030. This process touches upon social work services, coded under CPV classifications 85310000, 85320000, and 98000000, and boasts a gross contract value of £9,704,160, highlighting the project's substantial investment in the community's future. This tender presents a significant opportunity for SMEs and VCSEs specialising in social services to expand their portfolios and contribute meaningfully to the community by providing essential autism support services.

The contract demands innovative solutions tailored to the needs of young people with autism, enriching their ability to live independently, engage in volunteer work, and access employment opportunities. Businesses experienced in delivering high-quality, outcome-driven social services, particularly those with capabilities in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or similar models, can not only address a critical community need but also benefit from long-term engagement with the local authority. The procurement encourages participation from organisations offering sustainable service models and additional social value, thereby broadening the impact on the Thurrock region.