To work with local voluntary sector organisations to address needs of people with SMI

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a contract to One Knowsley to work with local voluntary sector organisations in addressing the needs of individuals with severe and enduring mental illness. This contract, valued at £326,780, focuses on reducing loneliness and isolation, managing the cost of living crisis, and providing support for carers in Knowsley. The procurement falls under the health and social work services category and operates through the Provider Selection Regime, which excludes the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

The contract, which was awarded through a direct award process, starts on 1 April 2025 and concludes on 31 March 2028, with an option to extend for an additional two years. The procurement method was limited, without prior publication of a call for competition. This tender represents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in mental health services, particularly those that can offer robust support to individuals facing social isolation and economic hardship.

Firms with expertise in working alongside local voluntary organisations to deliver health and social care services will find this contract particularly suitable. The absence of competition in the procurement method indicates that businesses already established in this sector, particularly those meeting existing contract standards, have a strategic advantage. Engaging in such contracts can enhance a company's portfolio and solidify its presence in the healthcare service industry within the Knowsley area.