Specialist Domestic Abuse Support Services

Prior Information Notice and Market Sounding

North Somerset Council are in the early stages of commissioning a Specialist Domestic Abuse Service (current contracts end 31st March 2020). At this stage the Council has not completely defined the specification and would like to engage with the market. We invite any organisations with the necessary credentials to deliver a Specialist Domestic Abuse Service, to express an interest in this proposed commissioning activity. The Council would also like to invite these organisations to meet with the commissioners to discuss their initial ideas and to help develop ways in which the provision of these services are delivered. If you would like your organisation to be considered for a meeting, please email rachel.braund@n-somerset.gov.uk. It is our intention to invite interested parties to a one-hour session on the 6th of June 2019. This is for expressions of interest for market engagement only, this is NOT an official call for competition.

Current arrangements:

North Somerset Council currently commissions the following domestic abuse services:

• An independent Domestic Advisors (IDVAs) service to provide individual support to victims assessed as at high risk of serious harm.
• An IDVA placed with the One Front Door team to assess and triage police Lighthouse domestic abuse referrals where children are involved.
• A floating support service to provide individual support to those assessed as at low to medium risk.
• Pattern Changing courses for women affected by domestic abuse (and individual support for men as there are insufficient numbers to run groups).
• Drop- in sessions
• A Domestic Abuse FreeFone help line which operates 9am to 6pm on weekdays.
• DA/complex needs worker based at Weston General Hospital
• Emergency refuge accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse.