Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Service in North and West Bristol

The NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board has recently completed a procurement process for an Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Service in North and West Bristol. This service, focusing on early intervention for children and young people, includes specialist support via a CYP link worker, one-on-one support for families, and wellbeing programmes in schools. The contract was awarded through a limited competition, adhering to the Light Touch Regime under the Procurement Act 2023, and resulted in a partnership with Southmead Development Trust.

The initial award date was 18th September 2025, with a contract period spanning three years and an optional extension of two years, bringing the potential total contract value to £397,750. The industry fall under the Health and Social Work services category and will operate primarily within the UKK11 region of the United Kingdom. This contract represents a valuable opportunity for businesses engaged in health and social work services, particularly those specialising in early intervention and education support.

Organisations that can deliver innovative programmes aiming at improving emotional wellbeing and reducing school avoidance in youth are particularly well-suited for this tender. The project’s scope to extend services through engaging with families and offering diverse wellbeing support in schools presents rich ground for providers capable of integrating holistic and community-based approaches into their service delivery, thereby enhancing their business growth within the public sector.