SERVICE USER AND CARER INVOLVEMENT SERVICE

Description

The Mental Health Clinical Board (MHCB) in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board plans to recommission the Service User and Carer Representation Service, which strengthens the voice of people with lived experience and their carers through co‑production, training, and involvement in service planning, as well as the Reward and Recognition element. Lot 1: The Service User and Carer Representation Service is a specialist third sector‑led model designed to strengthen the voice and influence of people with lived experience of mental health issues, and their carers, across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The service provides structured opportunities for meaningful involvement in the planning and review of mental health services, alongside training, capacity building, information sharing and signposting. Operating within a context of rising demand and strong national expectations around co‑production, the service plays an essential role in supporting recovery‑focused, person‑centred care. The recommissioned service will also incorporate a Reward and Recognition element, which acknowledges and values the contribution of people with lived experience. This component provides appropriate recognition for activities that require preparation, time and commitment, draw on lived experience and expertise, involve contributing as part of a team to Mental Health Clinical Board (MHCB)‑specific tasks and activities on an ongoing basis, and are pre‑agreed with MHCB and Caniad, the current MHCB Service User and Carer Engagement partner. Delivery is typically undertaken by experienced local third sector organisations with a strong community presence, though challenges such as workforce capacity and financial sustainability remain. Providers must demonstrate robust governance, accessibility, Welsh language compliance and high‑quality engagement practice. Overall, this is a specialised and essential service area with growing demand and clear alignment to local and national mental health policy. This notice is an intention to award a contract under the Most Suitable Provider Process. This is an existing service with an existing provider. The contract is for a period of 3 years, with the option to extend for 2 further years in 12‑month intervals at the Health Board’s discretion, commencing 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029 (31st March 2031).