Market Engagement Exercise - Peer-to-peer support group in Southwark

Southwark Council is currently planning to procure a targeted peer-to-peer support group/s for communities who are at greater risk of poor mental health and/or are less likely to access mental health support. The proposed service is likely to run for an initial trail period of one year and will deliver sessions on a weekly basis. The aim of the service is to enhance the health and well-being of individuals from communities who may face barriers accessing traditional mental health offers.

The service will target communities where one or more of the below applies:

• there are known nuances affecting their perceptions and experiences of mental health services
• there is evidence of persistent inequalities in access, experiences of care, and treatment outcomes Black African and Caribbean communities are one possible target group for this planned procurement. A recent Healthwatch Southwark report (January 2025) explored mental health services for Black and African Caribbean communities in Southwark found that there needs to be more locally embedded community-based services, as well as consultation with non-clinical and community-based mental health services to identify needs and establish good practice models. We would like to hear from any organisations who are currently providing non-clinical, community-based peer-to-peer support services for specific communities, to better understand:
• The readiness of the market to deliver these services in Southwark
• Size of the market in Southwark
• Types of peer-to-peer support groups current offered
• The pricing structure We would welcome responses from any organisations delivering these services or similar services, whether or not they are currently being delivered to local authorities.

Please return your questionnaire via the messaging facility on the Pro-Contract portal and/or email to the named contact: procontract.due-north.com Please respond by 18.08.2025