Market Engagement Event Mental Health Accommodation Pathway

1. Introduction
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is constantly seeking to improve the ways in which services are delivered within the borough. The Council aims to meet this objective by creating, maintaining and improving our working partnerships with relevant organisations and stakeholders. It is with this principle in mind that the Council is seeking to engage with the market in shaping the commissioning and procurement plans within the development of the Mental Health Accommodation Pathway model to be delivered within the borough.

2. Context
The London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames currently commissions a number of different supported living services for adults with mental health issues, of different models and under different contractual arrangements (including some directly provided by the Council).

Current mental health supported living services
While definitions and specifications vary between services, the below is broadly what is currently available within the borough:
• 24 units high support (accommodation based)
• 18 units medium support (accommodation based)
• 37 units low support (accommodation based)
• 20 units low support (floating/outreach)
3. Commissioning Intentions

With increasing need within the borough and a significant number of out of borough placements, it is the Council’s intention to increase supported living provision within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. This will both allow more people requiring supported accommodation to remain within or return to their local community,
The Council’s priority is to commission a service that meets the care and support needs of all people within the borough suffering from mental health issues. As such, LBRuT is additionally seeking to ensure greater accessibility to lower level floating support services. Where previously referrals were via CMHTs only it is intended to open up referrals to a wider group of organisations, though through a single point of access.
The tender and contract will encompass more than one existing service, restructured into 2 lots, as a single cohesive pathway. This commissioning option will help the Council maintain a better overview of supported living services while also improving links between the various levels of provision.
It is the Council`s intention to begin a procurement exercise in early Autumn of 2016 in order to secure the required provision within the borough. The Council is therefore testing the market to better understand how the service/services could best be delivered to address the priorities set out above and to meet wider objectives.
The Council will be hosting a Market Engagement Event on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 09:00-10:00 in York House (Room 7). This event will be open to all organisations and individuals which have an interest in and/or deliver similar relatable services.
If you would like to attend this event please contact Hilary Shenken via email at hilary.shenken@richmond.gov.uk.