NENC057 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support Service Sunderland and South Tyneside Invitation to Tender NHS North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

The NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, acting as the contracting authority, has awarded a contract for the NENC057 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support Service in Sunderland and South Tyneside. This procurement, conducted under an open competition, focused on providing guidance and counselling services and concluded with the contract awarded to Crystal Pathways Ltd, an SME based in London. The contract, which has an estimated value of GBP 592,000, will commence on April 1, 2026, for a three-year term with an option to extend for an additional two years based on performance.

All procurement processes leading to the award, including the tender stage, have been completed as of January 6, 2026. This contract presents significant business growth opportunities primarily for SMEs specialising in mental health services, particularly those experienced in offering support for LGBTQ+ communities. The service aims to deliver counselling and therapy, thereby improving the well-being of young people in the Sunderland and South Tyneside areas.

The procurement was open for competitive tendering, allowing companies with expertise in mental health and counselling to showcase their capabilities in enhancing social value and addressing health inequalities, thus offering a profitable and impactful project aligned with social priorities.