Health services

Tender description

NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG are looking to hear from providers who can deliver a less daunting and more flexible way to access support than through face to face interactions. North of England Commissioning Support (NECS) is a commissioning support service who are for and on behalf of NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to understand the market capacity and capability to deliver a digital talking therapy service which supports therapy methods other than face to face. It is proposed that the service contract length will be 3 years. It is estimated that one in 4 young people and adults aged 16 and over experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year. Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems affecting individuals and society (approximately 16 % of the population at any one time). In 2016, key developments were set out in the Five Year Forward View (FYFV) for Mental Health to expand and improve quality in IAPT services, with particular reference to improving access to talking therapies and the inclusion of people with long-term conditions whose mental wellbeing is being compromised as a result of any aspect of their long-term condition. Many people struggling with mental health issues can’t or won’t access face-to-face services this could be due to social isolation and stigma, or simply restricted by geography, work schedules or caring commitments. Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group is interested to hear from providers who could provide less daunting and more flexible way to access support than through face-to-face interactions: — access to talking therapies for adults aged 16+ years with common mental health conditions via digital communication (this element would be accessible via referral from local talking therapies commissioned services), — a population based digital mental health prevention, early intervention and recovery platform accessible to people aged 16+ years who would benefit from an digital offer to support, help maintain or improve their mental wellbeing. The service would be accessible anytime of the day or night (24/7/365) and always be moderated by professional clinicians. The digital platform should provide: — an anonymous, online peer support community and stigma free environment, — a wide library of self-management resources, — non-compulsory library of clinical self-assessments, — creative art therapy, — moderated forums and writing therapy, — structured modular courses with peer support with topics cover wellbeing, healthy lifestyle and mental health, — guided support programmes on a range of common issues. Digital therapy should provide: — one-to-one online therapy with registered and accredited counsellors and CBT therapists, — sessions available 7 days per week 7.00 a.m. – 11 p.m., — sessions take place via chat, audio and secure video, — sessions can be booked quickly, no waiting lists, — clients are able to choose their therapists, — use as an exit strategy from treatment, — provide wraparound support to those in talking therapies treatment.