Narrowing the Gap Bidding Framework 2016 - 2018

Tender description

Reading Borough Council wishes to improve the way that it commissions different types of services in terms of: • Infrastructure, neighbourhoods and general advice services • Wellbeing and ‘preventative’ services By offering a transparent process for allocating funding, we hope to encourage and develop new approaches and ways of collaborating so as to meet changing needs. The Council is therefore inviting bids from organisations who are interested in these funding opportunities, and have experience of delivering the outcomes which the Council is hoping to achieve. There will be several funding opportunities available under this bidding process, encompassing: • Tackling Poverty - Improving life chances – meeting basic needs Allocated funding of £66,000 in 2016/17 and £44,000 in 2017/18 - Maximising Income Allocated funding of £338,000 in 2016/17 and £223,000 in 2017/18 - Employability Allocated funding of £50,000 in 2016/17 and £33,000 in 2017/18 • Health & Thriving Communities - Supporting Participation and Engagement Allocated funding of £83,000 in 2016/17 and £55,000 in 2017/18 - Organisational development Allocated funding of £80,000 in 2016/17 and £52,000 in 2017/18 - Volunteering governance and brokerage Allocated funding of £38,000 in 2016/17 and £25,000 in 2017/18 - Support for marginalised communities Allocated funding of £60,000 in 2016/17 and £40,000 in 2017/18 • Help to navigate care & support Services - Targeted information and advice provision for people with current or emerging care and support needs Allocated funding of £57,000 p.a. • Self-advocacy & peer support - Self-advocacy provision for adults with a learning disability Allocated funding of £29,000 p.a. - Services to facilitate peer support or training for adults affected by long term health conditions Allocated funding of £105,000 p.a. (split between seven service types) • Supporting carers to take breaks & enjoy a life outside caring - Replacement care (respite) services delivered at home or in the community, which provide opportunities for unpaid carers to take time away from caring or enjoy social contact Allocated funding of £70,000 p.a. • Reducing the impact of illness - Supporting people to re-settle at home following a period of hospitalisation Allocated funding of £34,000 p.a. - Handyperson services Allocated funding of £20,000 p.a. • Connecting people and communities to reduce loneliness - Opportunities for adults with current or emerging care needs to enjoy social contact and so reduce their risk of loneliness Allocated funding of £185,000 p.a. (split between six service types) The funding agreements available under this bidding process are expected to start in June 2016, and will be for a period of two years.