DN517847 Mental Health Support for Adults 25+

Tender description

The current COVID-19 pandemic will not only exacerbate the poor mental health of those already experiencing difficulties but is also likely to trigger new mental health issues in people who have never previously experienced a mental health problem. Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust (the largest Provider of mental health care in Liverpool) estimate a 42% increase in demand for mental health support over the next 2 years - this demand is likely to be at its height between January- September 2021. Anxiety, depression, stress and PTSD will likely be the most frequently presenting issues by some margin. Modelling also suggests significant numbers may also present with loneliness, suicide ideation and self-harm issues. There is therefore an urgent need to invest in additional resource that alleviates the inevitable strain on existing service provision and gives Liverpool residents access to a wider range of mental health support options when they need them most. There are a number of key reasons as to why Public Health needs to urgently place an investment with Kooth PLC to deliver the Qwell online digital mental heath support tool for adults 25+ years of age. Qwell provides an anonymous, easily accessible internet enabled mental health support service online that is different but complimentary to existing IAPT provision. It therefore importantly provides choice to those who otherwise would not access mental heath support. Critically in addition to adding to the capacity within Liverpool to support individuals with mental health problems Qwell specialises in targeting key groups of individuals classified as hard to reach who are far more unlikely to access existing mental health support. Qwell will therefore target key high risk groups including; Survivors of Domestic Violence, Parents of families at risk of entering social care and BAME Communities. Additional reasons for requiring an immediate investment in Kooth PLC to deliver the online digital mental health support are: 1 Its existing knowledge of the Liverpool stakeholder infrastructure (it already delivers a digital support tool in the city for 10-25 year olds that is commissioned by Liverpool CCG) enabling it to mobilise rapidly. 2. Its business model (using BACP counsellors) allows it to deal with significant volume surges. 3.It already has a sophisticated data capture tool that will enable immediate monitoring of performance outcomes. It is proposed to fund this contract from the Test and Trace monies that Government allocated to each Local Authority Public Health Team to mange health crisis that emerge directly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.