Postvention service for under 18s who have been bereaved by suicide

The Public Health Agency (PHA), in collaboration with the Business Services Organisation's Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), is planning a procurement process for a Postvention service aimed at supporting children and young people (CYP) aged 4-17 who have been bereaved by suicide. This initiative, set within the health and social work services industry category, will also include community capacity awareness training for professionals working with affected CYP. The current stage is planning, with a pre-tender market engagement scheduled, involving a Briefing Paper and Questionnaire accessible via eTendersNI, with submissions due by 9th June 2025.

The project will be delivered in Northern Ireland, under the introduction of the New Procurement Act 2023 and pertinent Northern Ireland Procurement Policy Notes. The expected contract period will commence from January 2026, with a potential endpoint by December 2028, with an extension possibility till 2032. This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in health and social work services, particularly those offering guidance and counselling services.

It invites engagement from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), providing them a chance to extend their reach within the public sector and contribute to critical support services for young people. The focus on social value and human rights within the procurement process adds an ethical dimension appealing to providers committed to these areas. Proactive participation could enhance business credibility and sustainability through alignment with Northern Ireland's key social objectives.