WCC Market Testing for the Joint Provision of Mental and Physical Health Services

It is well recognised and supported by research that there is a strong link between mental and physical health and that both can significantly influence an individual's ability to lead a healthy lifestyle. Being active can improve physical health as well as improving a person's mental health and wellbeing.

Having good mental health and wellbeing can improve a person's quality of life through helping to manage everyday stress and improve mood and motivation. Physical activity can improve self-esteem, reduce your risk of developing long term conditions, help manage certain long-term conditions and help with maintaining a healthy weight.

There is a well-established link between diet and physical health, especially for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and some cancers. The relationship between mental health and diet is also important to help people make informed decisions and increasing awareness of the potential for poor nutrition to be a factor in stimulating or maintaining poor mental health.

WCC Public Health are exploring options for the future delivery of both the PH and MH services, with a view to potentially commissioning a joint service. WCC needs to ensure future delivery enables resources to best meet the health needs of the Warwickshire population, reduce health inequalities and aligns with the Council's strategic objectives.

The purpose of this market testing exercise is to gather insight and feedback from interested providers to help shape the future of MH and PH services in Warwickshire. It will help inform the understanding the potential of the local market to provide the required support offer and to explore innovative ways of delivering the support services to improve MH and PH of Warwickshire residents. Your participation will also contribute ideas as to how the current services may be improved.

The Council has not commissioned a service such as this before and therefore wants to engage with a variety of organisations, in a confidential setting, so that we can ensure we have considered all possible options and any associated risks and issues during to aid our decision making. We would value your engagement with this process to inform the suitability of options.

Additionally, this provides the opportunity for organisations that may only be able to provide aspects of the service to demonstrate their capabilities or interest in delivering parts of the service. Providers can choose to respond with a focus on areas they are interested in delivering.