Carers Support Service - Mental Health Specialist Provider
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
Milton Keynes City Council has concluded an open procurement process for a Carers Support Service – Mental Health Specialist Provider, aimed at supporting unpaid carers across various demographics, including young carers and those assisting individuals with mental health challenges. The procurement, categorised under health and social work services, unfolded in the UKJ12 region with the contract commencing on 1st September 2025 and concluding on 31st August 2028, with potential for a two-year extension. The procurement method followed a "light touch" regime with a below-threshold, open competition framework, underscoring a focus on ensuring comprehensive, accessible support for carers.
Mind BLMK, the awarded supplier, will deliver tailored services such as peer support networks, training, and awareness campaigns to meet varied carer needs, bolstered by strong ties with Milton Keynes Adult Social Care. The Carers Support Service initiative presents varied growth opportunities, particularly for businesses adept in delivering specialised mental health services and peer support solutions. Organisations with a focus on social work services without accommodation may find alignment with the contract's scope.
The awarded contract, valuing approximately £249,906, indicates a lucrative opportunity for enterprises aiming to expand within the public sector health and social care domain. SMEs and VCSEs engaged in offering bespoke training, support services, or possessing experience with mental health and carer support will be well-positioned to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community, enhancing service coverage and personal development prospects for carers.
Milton Keynes City Council are currently out to tender for the provision of Carers Support Service - Mental Health Specialist Provider. The Carers Support Service will be delivered as a tiered model of support. The tiered approach encompasses levels of support and specialism.
It has a lead provider, who provides overarching Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) and acts as a single point of access. It then has a number, depending on requirements, of specialist organisations who work in collaboration to meet the needs, i.e. unpaid carers of any age. The specialist organisations will cover the areas of:
- Young Carers and Young Adult Carers
- Mental Health
- Learning Disability and Neurodivergence
- Older People The Mental Health Specialist Provider organisation forms part of the tiered approach. The Provider of the Mental Health specialist service will deliver the following services and activities under the service specification;
- Support for carers who care for someone with a Mental Health illness (with or without a formal diagnosis), or with addiction, or with dual diagnosis.
- As Mental Health can be such a wide remit in terms of complexity and knowledge, the provider should have access to specialist information where required.
- Development of peer support networks
- Training related to the condition of the cared for
- Awareness of what else is available in Milton Keynes to support carers
- Promotion of their service
- Work to identify carers, reduce the stigma around the caring role and promote who is a carer
- Maintain a relationship with MKCC Adult Social Care
- Support when the caring role ends, including bereavement support
- Seasonal celebrations and contribute to events such as Carers Week and Carers Rights Day Further information regarding the Council's requirement is set out in the tender documents which are available on the Councils E-Tendering portal - in-tendhost.co.uk/milton-keynes/aspx/Home Deadline for submissions of the tender will be 12 Noon on 2nd May 2025.
Please allow sufficient time to make your return as late returns will not be permitted. Any questions relating to this tender should be made via correspondence on the website. Please do not engage with any persons in the Council via email or phone regarding this tender.
Optional Extension of up to 2 years
Procurement Classification
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Contract Values
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The contract period is three years.
Key Dates
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Awarded Supplier
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Documents & Links
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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector.
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