Asylum-Seeking Women-Centred Perinatal Support in Newham

Tender description

There is little information available for people seeking asylum about services available to support them with their claim and navigating systems in the UK and services available. We are looking for a provider who can provide perinatal trauma-informed support service for women and families from migrant backgrounds, to support them when experiencing financial hardship during pregnancy and with children up to the age of 2. The service model provided should be embedded within communities, working collaboratively with our in-house early help team and local charities and community groups to enable smooth and streamlined pathways to support. We would like to hear from potential providers interested in delivering these services, to inform the planning of our procurement process. Suitably qualified providers are invited to complete the attached form and return by midday on 31 March 2023. This is not an invitation to tender. Lot 1: From 1.10.2023, the London Borough of Newham intend to contract public Asylum-Seeking Women-Centred Perinatal Support in Newham Requirements - Potential providers must be able to demonstrate: Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care: The support should be delivered in a manner that is respectful of the cultural and linguistic needs of asylum-seeking families. Providers should be aware of the potential trauma that these women may have experienced and should provide appropriate support and care. Community connections: The provider must establish links across the local VCS infrastructure in Newham to be able to support families to access the right support at the right time. Comprehensive perinatal care: The provider must be able to develop links with community to support asylum-seeking women to access to comprehensive perinatal mental health, including antenatal and postnatal care, mental health support, and parenting education. Accessible in-person services: The support should be easily accessible to asylum-seeking women in Newham, including those who may face language or transportation barriers. Parenting support: There must be an element of in-person and interactive support. Including baby first-aid, sexual health, family planning and infant feeding. Language support: Women should have access to ESOL language support to ensure they can communicate effectively with healthcare providers and access relevant information. Advocacy and referral services: Women should have access to advocacy and referral services to help them navigate the complex asylum process and local health and community services including but not limited to, food banks, housing, immigration, early help, domestic abuse. Safe and welcoming environment: The support should be delivered in a safe and welcoming environment that is sensitive to the needs of asylum-seeking women. Support for infant feeding: Women should have access to information and support related to breastfeeding, including the provision of breastfeeding-friendly facilities. Cultural competency: Providers should have a good understanding of the cultural norms and practices of asylum-seeking women to provide effective support.