The Executive Office (TEO) Communities in Transition (CIT): Regional Personal Transition Programme for the Ex-Prisoner community in the Carrickfergus and Larne, East Belfast, North Down and Shankill CIT Areas

Tender description

The Executive Office (TEO) is seeking to establish a Contract for the provision of Ex-Prisoner support programmes to support those who continue to face barriers to their full civic participation in the Carrickfergus and Larne, East Belfast, North Down and Shankill CIT Areas. For maps of the areas, please see separate document entitled ‘ANNEX A MAPS OF THE 4 CIT AREAS’ contained within the Contracts Documents Area. It is envisioned that the Contractor will also operate in an ‘area of influence’ around the CIT Areas. The core area provides a focal point for action and investment. The concept of a wider area of influence, that is not sharply defined, acknowledges that building positive, resilient communities can sometimes require wider connection to both physical and social assets in neighbouring areas. Investment decisions and actions will be informed by the likely impact on core areas. The Contractor will develop and design the programme through a participatory approach with the community and relevant stakeholders therefore they will need to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the community context, including the issues and needs facing the Ex-Prisoner community in the four individual CIT Areas as defined in the Specification of Requirements Schedule, taking into account the aims of the CIT Project (Action B4), and the overall Executive Action Plan on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime. It will also be essential for the Contractor to work collaboratively both in and with, all CIT Areas included in this Contract. Full details of the specific Contract requirements are provided for throughout the Specification of Requirements Schedule. Successful delivery of this Contract aims to: • Raise awareness of relevant support services available to the Ex-Prisoner community and their families; • Connect individuals from the Ex-Prisoner community and their families to relevant service providers to address their particular needs (health / wellbeing, education, employment), through engagement and signposting activities; • Address the issues of isolation and marginalisation impacting the Ex-Prisoner community through building community understanding and acceptance; • Build relationships between the Ex-Prisoner community and other groups and sectors within the areas. It is anticipated that the Contract will commence on 1 April 2022 for a period of 2 years.