Cumbria Substance Use: Engagement and Recovery Support Service

Cumberland Council is acting as lead authority on behalf of both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to procure a contract for the provision of the Cumbria Substance Use: Engagement and Recovery Support Service, for a term of up to 10 years. The estimated total value of the contract over the total contract period (including any extension period) is a maximum value of up to PS24m excluding VAT, but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract. The maximum budget available for the initial term is PS1,534,000 per annum excluding VAT. Westmorland & Furness Council may make available up to PS50,000 transformation funding, which is included in the advertised value. The transformation funding is not guaranteed and is subject to a Transformation Plan being agreed between Westmorland & Furness Council and the Service Provider. Details of current expenditure are indicative only. The Cumbria-wide Substance Use Service (formerly Addiction Services) has now been split into two separate contracts: the Engagement and Recovery Support Service and the Treatment Service. Both contracts will be procured by Cumberland Council on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, local authorities have a statutory responsibility for improving public health, which includes commissioning services that prevent harm and support recovery from substance misuse. This responsibility is reinforced by national guidance and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) commissioning standards. Substance misuse remains a major public health challenge in Cumbria, with high rates of drug- and alcohol-related deaths and significant health inequalities across the county. The Engagement and Recovery Support Service will be delivered through Recovery Hubs located in Carlisle, West Cumbria, Barrow-in-Furness, Penrith, and Kendal, supported by outreach and in-reach provision to ensure accessibility for rural and seldom-heard communities. The service will work collaboratively with the Treatment Service and wider system partners to deliver a person-centred, stigma-free, recovery-oriented system of care, ensuring continuity of support before, during, and after treatment episodes. The initial contract period is six years, running from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2032. Two optional extension periods of up to 24 months each are available. If both extensions are utilised, the contract will end on 30th September 2036. Use of these extensions is entirely at the discretion of the Council.