Invitation to Tender for Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) for Deaf People

Bury Council has concluded the procurement process to appoint a specialist provider for an Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) service for deaf individuals at Cygnet Bury hospital. This service is particularly crucial following a policy change and caters specifically to adult patients who are deaf. The procurement followed an open procedure, with a contract period starting from 31st August 2025 to 31st July 2026.

Classified under health and social work services (CPV code: 85000000), the initial tender value was set at GBP 30,000. The procurement is designed to be inclusive, encouraging participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). This opportunity represents a significant potential for businesses specialising in health advocacy and social services, particularly those with expertise in supporting the deaf community.

By securing this award, a business such as Sign Health, the chosen supplier, can enhance its portfolio and demonstrate its capacity to meet specialised community needs. The business environment is ripe for those with tailored skills in mental health advocacy to expand operations, collaborate with local authorities, and enhance their service offerings to include specialist advocacy support. It also sets a precedent for similar future tenders in the field of community health services, fostering growth opportunities within this niche.