Provision of Support in Refuge for Women & Children Escaping Domestic Abuse

Cornwall Council, as commissioner on behalf of the Safer Cornwall Partnership, currently provides support within safe accommodation to women and children who have experienced domestic abuse and who require additional support in relation to other multiple vulnerabilities.

The key aim of the service is to increase the safety of individuals through the supplier’s provision of specialist safe accommodation and person-centred, trauma informed support services that empower the individuals to take control of their lives, understand their own and
others’ behaviours and how they can support themselves. Support will be provided according to assessment of risk and need and delivered by trained and experienced workers with a high level of understanding of the specific needs.

This service must be delivered in a safe and protective environment through, dedicated buildings with shared or self-contained housing with communal areas that will enable peer support, and where possible having appropriate adaptations to meet the needs of those with disabilities. The services will also provide culturally sensitive related support and accommodation to women from ethnic minority backgrounds and consider referrals for transgender women or
individuals that self-identify as non-binary, based on circumstances and appropriate risk assessment.

Bidders are able to bid on geographically separated lots for 6 or 11 units, or both lots totalling 17 units, as detailed in the tender documents and that meet or exceed the required specification. A single tenderer may be awarded both available lots.
For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum available budget for this service is £478,215 (comprised; Lot 1 £309,433 & Lot 2 £168,782) for the first year. Any bidders exceeding this available budget will be deemed to be unsuitable.

This includes appropriate security; 7 days a week, 24 hour, in person or on call tailored support for service users accommodated on a license agreement for an optimal 20 week stay; women aged 16 and above, with or without children who are escaping domestic abuse and who may have additional needs and vulnerabilities.