NELFT - Crisis Alternatives
A Tender Notice
by NORTH EAST LONDON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Contract (Services)
- Duration
- 26.5 month
- Value
- £3M
- Sector
- HEALTH
- Published
- 28 Mar 2025
- Delivery
- 11 Aug 2025 to 27 Oct 2027
- Deadline
- 16 May 2025 11:00
Concepts
Location
1 buyer
Description
The Place Based Partnership within North East London (NEL) has identified key priority areas to enhance local mental health acute pathways. This initiative aims to develop effective community alternatives to hospital admission for residents experiencing a mental health crisis. The North East London Joint Forward Plan emphasises prevention, leveraging community assets, and providing person-centered, integrated care. The goal is to support more individuals in appropriate settings outside of hospitals, ensuring that those in crisis receive timely and suitable support. A significant focus is placed on improving mental health crisis management and offering alternatives to hospital admission. This ensures that high-quality inpatient care is available for those who truly need it, aligning with the principle of delivering the right support at the right time and place. The scope of services varies across localities, and a procurement process via Lots has been established to cater to the specific needs of each Local Borough and its demographics. This approach also fosters collaboration with Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners, enhancing the overall benefit to service users. VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) partners will play a crucial role in the Place Based Partnership within NELFT. Their involvement will include: Service Delivery: VCSE organisations will provide community-based services that offer alternatives to hospital admission. These services might include crisis intervention, counselling, peer support, and other mental health support programs tailored to local needs. Collaboration and Integration: VCSE partners will work closely with NELFT and other healthcare providers to ensure a seamless integration of services. This collaboration aims to create a cohesive support network that can respond effectively to mental health crises. Community Engagement: VCSE organisations often have strong ties to the local community and can engage residents in mental health initiatives. They can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help early. Tailored Support: By understanding the unique demographics and needs of each locality, VCSE partners can offer personalised support that aligns with the specific challenges faced by different communities. Innovation and Flexibility: VCSE organisations can bring innovative approaches to mental health care, offering flexible and responsive services that can adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Overall, the involvement of VCSE partners is essential for building a comprehensive, community-centered approach to mental health care that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and support outside of hospital settings.
Lot Division
| 1 | Havering
The service is for Havering adult residents or those presenting to Havering emergency services who perceive themselves to be in, or at risk of moving into, mental health crisis (self-defined). This is the defining criteria for the service and robust screening procedures will be required that ensure access and prioritisation of those in most need. Those with multiple needs and co-morbidities are to be welcomed provided that the primary need is mental health crisis. |
| 2 | Redbridge
This specification outlines the development of a Mental Health Crisis Alternative in Redbridge, a service providing non-clinical, community-based mental health support. The service will focus on supporting those experiencing a self-defined mental health crisis who do not require immediate medical attention. It will offer timely interventions aimed at preventing escalation to statutory services like psychiatric liaison or emergency departments. This initiative aligns with local needs, addressing the unique demographic and socio-economic factors of Redbridge. |
| 3 | Waltham Forest
This specification outlines the development of a Mental Health Crisis Alternative in Waltham Forest, a third sector-led service providing non-clinical, community-based mental health support. The service will focus on supporting those experiencing or wanting to prevent a self-defined mental health crisis who do not require immediate medical attention. It will offer timely interventions aimed at preventing escalation to statutory services like psychiatric liaison or emergency departments. This initiative aligns with local needs, addressing the unique demographic and socio-economic factors of Waltham Forest. Although the term ‘Crisis Alternative’ is used here, the name of the initiative will be decided in collaboration with service users and will highlight that the spaces are welcoming, homely and peaceful e.g. incorporating words such as ‘sanctuary’, ‘haven’, ‘harbour’, ‘welcome’, ‘healing’ ‘connection’. We aim to create a new model of care that combines the community and social collaboration of the Trieste model with the relational culture of Open Dialogue. Our plan is to bring together our NHS community and crisis provision in a single site, combine it with a range of non-statutory services, as well as 6-8 beds for overnight/crisis stay and bring all parties together to co-design and co-deliver the service. The teams will include third sector services, religious groups, housing providers/associations and people with lived experience, who have been involved in the development of our plans from the beginning. |
Renewal Options
The initial contract term shall be two (2) years with the potential for two (2) twelve (12) months in Contract extension periods by election of the Contracting Authority, on such notice and for such periods as is specified by the Contract.
Award Criteria
| Technical Questionnaire | 50% weighting dedicated towards technical capability |
| Social Value Questionnaire | 10% weighting dedicated towards technical capability |
| Commercial Questionnaire | 40% weighting dedicated towards technical capability |
CPV Codes
- 75200000 - Provision of services to the community
Indicators
- Restrictions apply to the lot award allocation.
- Renewals are available.
Other Information
** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-04fa2f
- FTS 011822-2025