SOFT MARKET TESTING FOR A SUPPORTED LODGINGS SERVICE PROVIDING PLACEMENTS FOR UP TO 20 YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREPARE THEM FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

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 supported lodgings service to support up to 20 young people at any one time to live fully independent lives.

We are looking for providers that can provide suitable, safe and well supported lodgings to young people, to provide a bridge between leaving care settings and to develop the skills needed to live independently and maintain their own tenancies upon leaving the supported lodgings placement, through the recruitment, training and support of appropriate lodging providers.

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.