Counselling Service for Refugees

Cambridge City Council, in collaboration with several district and county councils in the region, is inviting bids for a short-term counselling service aimed at supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The tender is currently in the active procurement stage, with submissions due by 12:00 on 16th February 2026. This project is situated within the social work and related services category, under CPV code 85300000, and will serve the region of UKH12 in the United Kingdom.

The maximum contract value is set at £165,000, and the procurement follows an open, below-threshold competition method. The intended contract period is from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027, with potential renewal options available. This tender presents a meaningful opportunity for firms specialising in mental health services, specifically those experienced in addressing issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly encouraged to apply, as indicated by the suitability criteria. With a strong emphasis on quality, weighted at 75% in the award criteria, businesses with robust service delivery models and innovative approaches to counselling may find this contract a viable prospect to expand their reach and impact in the community. The project underscores the role of social services in enhancing refugees' integration and access to broader opportunities, such as education and employment, thus offering a strategic avenue for participating companies to engage in socially impactful work.