2122-0030 Islington Carers Hub

Tender description

Islington Carers Hub is the borough’s support service for Carers (also known as informal carers, family carers or unpaid carers). Islington’s Carers Hub is a well-established part of Islington’s vibrate Voluntary and Community Sector. It is currently has 3,200 carers registered and supports 1,200 carers per year. Through re-procuring this service Islington Council hopes to build on the good work already achieved and create a holistic, outcome focused services for Islington Carers. Lot 1: It is estimated that that there are 18,700 unpaid carers (9.2% of the population aged over 16) in Islington, based on the 2011 Census. However, with the multiple waves of COVID-19 and lockdowns, this number will have risen significantly since March 2020. It is important to recognise and appreciate carers for the vital role they play in our society and ensure they feel valued. It is key that carers’ interests are championed at a strategic level – we want to make Islington is a carer friendly borough. It is a priority to focus on carers, ensuring they have opportunities to enhance their wellbeing and can access the right support at the right time. Supporting carers and preventing carer breakdown also means less people will need access to formal care – whether that be for the carer or for the cared for. This service will be delivered using an outcome based service specification to allow the successful provider the flexibility to meet the varied needs of Islington Carers using their unique expertise. The successful provider will still be required to deliver some key outputs as outlined in the specifications such as having a comprehensive information; advice and signposting offer; supporting Carers to take a break; undertaking Carer Assessments on behalf of the Local Authority; duties around Carers Week and Carer Rights Day; and taking on a strategic leadership role for Carers for the borough.