Rough Sleeper Grant Increase, START team award

The London Borough of Lewisham has completed a procurement process under the title "Rough Sleeper Grant Increase, START team award," focusing on the services industry category with a specific interest in mental health outreach for rough sleepers. This process concluded with an awarded contract on 11th November 2025, with services set to begin on 18th November 2025 and conclude on 6th October 2026. The contract was directly awarded to South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, utilising the Direct Award Process A within the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

This decision hinges on SLaM's status as the only viable local NHS provider capable of delivering the necessary statutory services, a choice supported by the need to maintain continuity and quality of care without viable alternatives. This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in social work services, particularly those equipped to handle outreach and support services for vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers. While the contract in this instance was directly awarded to an existing provider due to their specialised capabilities, businesses looking to grow may find future opportunities within the public authority sector by aligning services to fill critical gaps identified within local government initiatives.

Enterprises specialising in innovative solutions for mental health services or with potential partnerships with local agencies could position themselves well for future collaboration with sub-central government entities like the London Borough of Lewisham.