Short Breaks for Children and Young People

Blackpool Council, based in Blackpool, United Kingdom, has awarded a contract titled "Short Breaks for Children and Young People" within the health and social work services category. This procurement is intended to provide essential services such as a Weekend Club and Holiday Club for children with complex needs, aged 8 to 18. The contract, valued at £950,000, is set to commence on 1 April 2026 and run until 31 March 2028, with potential extensions subject to contract review and budget availability.

The procurement process was conducted through an open procedure and did not involve pre-market engagement, as the service needs were well established. The supplier awarded is Play Inclusion Project (PIP), a large Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) based in Blackpool. The award stage was completed on 17 October 2025, and the standstill period is expected to conclude on 25 November 2025.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses that specialise in services for children and young people with complex needs. Given the open procurement method employed by Blackpool Council, it provided extensive opportunities for various types of organisations, particularly those with expertise in health and social services. Suitable contenders for this tender included both large and small enterprises as well as VCSEs, particularly those demonstrating a commitment to quality and social value, as these accounted for 70% and 20% of the award criteria, respectively.

With a robust contract budget and the potential for increased demand and service extensions, businesses engaged in delivering specialised care and recreational activities are well-positioned to leverage such opportunities for sustained growth and community impact.