“Follow Me” Project roll out - Hepatitis C Trust

Description

This contract relates to the continuation of the existing Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) Follow Me Project, an established peer‑led Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and treatment engagement service operating across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The current three‑year contract expires on 31st May 2026, and this briefing outlines the scope, rationale and value of maintaining the service beyond this date. The service targets people who use drugs and other inclusion health groups who are at increased risk of blood borne viruses (BBVs), particularly Hepatitis C. It plays a critical role in prevention, early diagnosis, linkage to care and treatment completion, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced demand on acute health services. The Follow Me Project is a peer‑led intervention, delivered by trained staff and volunteer peers with lived experience of Hepatitis C. The model is designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional clinical pathways by delivering outreach‑based testing, harm reduction advice and sustained peer support. A direct award was selected due to the specialist nature of the service, the clear evidence of a single capable provider, and the need to maintain continuity of a well‑embedded peer‑led model. Alternative procurement routes were not considered proportionate, as disruption would risk destabilising established clinical pathways and progress towards national Hepatitis C elimination priorities. Lot 1: This contract relates to the continuation of the existing Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) Follow Me Project, an established peer‑led Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and treatment engagement service operating across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The current three‑year contract expires on 31st May 2026, and this briefing outlines the scope, rationale and value of maintaining the service beyond this date. The service targets people who use drugs and other inclusion health groups who are at increased risk of blood borne viruses (BBVs), particularly Hepatitis C. It plays a critical role in prevention, early diagnosis, linkage to care and treatment completion, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes and reduced demand on acute health services. The Follow Me Project is a peer‑led intervention, delivered by trained staff and volunteer peers with lived experience of Hepatitis C. The model is designed to overcome barriers to engagement with traditional clinical pathways by delivering outreach‑based testing, harm reduction advice and sustained peer support. Key elements include: - Community‑based HCV testing in high‑prevalence settings - Peer support to reduce stigma and increase engagement - Active linkage to clinical services and treatment pathways - Ongoing support for individuals lost to follow‑up A direct award was selected due to the specialist nature of the service, the clear evidence of a single capable provider, and the need to maintain continuity of a well‑embedded peer‑led model. Alternative procurement routes were not considered proportionate, as disruption would risk destabilising established clinical pathways and progress towards national Hepatitis C elimination priorities. Additional information: Direct Award to The Hepatitis C Trust via the Direct Award Process 1 (DAP1) under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).