Supported Lodgings Service (Semi-Independent Accommodation & Support)

Swindon Borough Council (SBC) invites you to contribute to preliminary market engagement in relation to the provision of Supported Lodgings services and would welcome the views of suppliers on the questions set out in the questionnaire. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the children and young people supported by the Council.

Supported Lodgings provides a safe home with guidance for young people aged 16 and over who are leaving care or at risk of homelessness, helping them develop life skills and confidence to become independent adults. Hosted by approved individuals or families, this program offers a stepping stone between foster care or residential care and independent living; providing practical support with budgeting, cooking, and job applications in a less formal environment than traditional fostering.

SBC is seeking to commission (and procure) an organisation who will in turn recruit, train and support an appropriate number of hosts to deliver high quality accommodation and support services to the children and young people.

This service will be delivered to Children We Care For (CWCF) and Care Experienced Young People (CEYP), aged 16-21 and with varying support needs. The hosts recruited by the appointed organisation will be expected to be skilled, experienced and resilient in delivering accommodation and support to CWCF & CEYP with a wide variety of personal and care history.

The estimated number of children and young people to be supported is 16-25; the majority of which will be aged 16-18. The majority would need to be hosted in Swindon but there may also be some need for hosts outside of the local authority area.

This requirement will not be broken down into lots, as the authority is seeking to award a single provider.

The initial contract term is expected to be for 36 months with an option to extend for a further 24 months (2 periods of 12 months) for a potential total contract term of 5 years. Estimated contract spend is between £350,000 and £450,000 across the initial 3-year contract term and between £600,000 and £700,000 across the potential total 5-year contract term.