LBN - Befriending service

Tender description

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated inequalities in health, mental health and social connection in LB Newham. Through the pandemic response, long-standing issues of social isolation have been worsened for many, as people’s usual sources of social connection have become unavailable. It is likely that mental wellbeing in the Borough will be deteriorating because of the anxieties around Covid-19, including time spent in isolation, social distancing measures and concerns over unemployment. Nationally representative surveys have found an increase in depression, anxiety and mental distress, which are focused among younger people and those who had experienced COVID symptoms. 1.2. Newham’s population has experienced high levels of social isolation for many years. A 2016 GLA report found that Newham (together with Tower Hamlets and Barking and Dagenham) was one of the Boroughs with the highest levels of social isolation among older people. Half of neighbourhoods in Newham were in the most isolated 10% of neighbourhoods across London on 4 or more of 12 measures (see figure 1 below). Only 39% of adult social care service users in Newham said they have as much social contact as they would like; lower than the national average of 44%. Previous research in Newham has identified particular areas of the Borough (such as Royal Docks) and sub-populations (such as the unemployed) who tend to have smaller social networks and be at increased risk of isolation. 1.3. In this context, London Borough of Newham wishes to commission a ‘Newham Befriending Service’. The Newham Befriending Service will be available to adult residents in Newham who (a) are aged over 18, (b) are the only adult (or a carer for other adults) in their household, and (c) self-identify a need for a Befriending / chat support offer, or are referred by other services.