Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service

Description

Mind in Somerset delivers the Somerset Suicide Bereavement Support Service (SSBSS). The service provides early and longer-term postvention support for individuals, families and professionals affected by suicide across Somerset, combining emotional, psychological and practical help within a trauma-informed framework. This includes a 24/7 helpline, specialist support-worker sessions of up to three months, up to 12 sessions of specialist counselling, practical advice around inquests and funerals, guidance for professionals following a suicide, training for organisations and businesses and tailored support for workplaces managing the impact of suicide. Direct Award C has been used for the award of this contract. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contract. The services provided are the service specification are not changing considerably This contract is for a period of 12 months from 01/04/26 to 31/03/27. During this period a competitive procurement process will be undertaken. This Notice has been published by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners. Lot 1: Somerset Integrated Care Board ("the ICB") is directly awarding a contract to the existing provider Somerset Mind in accordance with the following five criteria outlined in Regulation (9) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023: The authority is assured that the current provider is delivering this service and outcomes to a satisfactory level and meeting the needs of the Somerset Population and provides support for individuals, families and professionals affected by suicide across Somerset, combining emotional, psychological and practical help within a trauma-informed framework. A direct award to Mind in Somerset would be appropriate and present the best value for the Commissioner in this circumstance. Direct Award C has been used for the award of this contract. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contract. The services provided are the service specification are not changing considerably The Commissioner made the decision of directly awarding the incumbent Provider Mind in Somerset in accordance with the following five criteria outlined in Regulation (9) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023: • Quality and innovation • Value • Integration, collaboration, and service sustainability • Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice • Social value The approximate lifetime value of the contract is £99,000.00 This contract is for a period of 12 months from 01/04/26 to 31/03/27. During this period a competitive procurement process will be undertaken. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by Monday 27th April 2026 8 working days following publication of intention to award notice) This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR. This Notice has been published by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners