BNSSG ICB - CRUSE Bereavement Support

Description

Cruse Bereavement Care provides emotional and psychological support to children, young people and adults experiencing grief across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The service aims to help people understand and manage their bereavement, recognising that while many adjust without specialist help, some are at increased risk of physical or mental health difficulties and benefit from structured support. Cruse operates through trained volunteers who undergo rigorous selection, accredited training and ongoing supervision. Individuals self‑refer and begin with an initial contact and an assessment to determine their needs and the most suitable form of support. Available interventions include telephone support, group information sessions, drop‑in groups, one‑to‑one bereavement support, occasional therapeutic groups and limited specialist support for children and young people. The service works closely with other local organisations to ensure clear care pathways and appropriate signposting Lot 1: 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. Cruse Bereavement Care provides emotional and psychological support to children, young people and adults experiencing grief across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. The service aims to help people understand and manage their bereavement, recognising that while many adjust without specialist help, some are at increased risk of physical or mental health difficulties and benefit from structured support. Cruse operates through trained volunteers who undergo rigorous selection, accredited training and ongoing supervision. Individuals self‑refer and begin with an initial contact and an assessment to determine their needs and the most suitable form of support. Available interventions include telephone support, group information sessions, drop‑in groups, one‑to‑one bereavement support, occasional therapeutic groups and limited specialist support for children and young people. The service works closely with other local organisations to ensure clear care pathways and appropriate signposting. NHS Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset ICB intent to award this contract to an existing provider following Direct Award Process C. The contract has been awarded for the period 01/04/2026 - 31/03/2029 This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners. NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Gloucestershire ICB are currently working together in a formal "clustering" arrangement to prepare for their merger into a single, new organisation (name to be confirmed), effective from 1st April 2027.