NWL0057 Homelessness Peer Advocacy Service

NWL CCG requires a homelessness peer advocacy service to serve the North West London homeless community. The provider shall offer a one-to-one engagement service for all street homeless people and homeless hostel-dwellers across the geography to enable them to make, attend and get value from health appointments.

This includes:

-giving people practical support (such as help with travel fares, reminders and accompaniment to appointments);

-providing support in registering with a GP;

-helping prepare people for appointments and, where appropriate, with understanding the content of the appointment;

-explaining the roles of different professionals in the health service and enabling co-ordination of appointments;

-helping individuals secure access to services;

-safeguarding against individuals being disadvantaged or discriminated against because of their homelessness; and

-the provider shall focus on building the skills, confidence and knowledge that will enable clients to access health services independently and appropriately. -peer advocates shall establish strong relationships with a range of stakeholders.

The CCG currently has contracts in place with Groundswell to enable the continued provision of the above service. The term of this contract is 6 months, 1st October 2021 - 31st March 2022 (estimated total value: £79,000.00), during which time, the CCG will assess the needs of the service users and consider how (if relevant) it needs to: -Secure the needs of the people who use the services;

-Improve the quality of the services; and

-Improve the efficiency in the provision of the services including through the services being provided in an integrated way.

NWL CCG is currently of the view that the services described above are capable of being provided only by the Groundswell to service users due to it being the only charity in London that runs such a service. This has been established via discussions with the homelessness health networks in London.

If it is the case that the Groundswell is the only provider capable of delivering the services described above, then the CCG will look to award a further contract to Groundswell for up to 12 months starting 1st April 2022.

The purpose of this PIN is to be transparent about the CCG's intentions and to invite anyone interested in delivering the services described above to contact us by 1st March 2022.

During 2022, it is anticipated that NWL CCG will be succeeded by an Integrated Care Board (ICB). Any future contract and/or procurement opportunity may therefore be in the name of the ICB.