SOFT MARKET TESTING FOR A SERVICE TO PREPARE FOR INDEPENDENCE UP TO 18 YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING AT BELINDA FERRISON HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON

Northamptonshire County Council (NCC) is conducting a SMT (Soft Market Testing) to gain an understanding of the potential level of interest and likely budgetary implications of; the provision of a targeted service to support up to 22 young people at any one time to live fully independent lives.

The service will be provided at Belinda Ferrison House in central Northampton. The property is owned by Northamptonshire County Council with the Fire Service occupying the ground and first floors of the building. The remaining three floors comprise self contained flats which NCC is refurbishing to provide accommodation for young people, who will be adults aged over 18. Building works will begin in September 16 with the service being fully operational for residents from 1st January 2017.

Following receipt of the completed questionnaires, a maximum of five providers will be selected from those who have indicated an interest to participate in workshops. The workshops will be informal sessions where providers will be able to present and discuss their responses. The workshop will also allow commissioners the opportunity to ask questions and clarify the information that has been submitted. The results of this SMT will help NCC to decide how to take this project forward.

Questionnaires at the end of the enclosed document must be returned, via email to Wendy Williams (WWilliams@northamptonshire.gov.uk) by close of play on 1st August 2016.