HIV Liaison and Support Services

Tender description

Tenders are invited by LB Lambeth (on behalf of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham) from a network of Providers with relevant experience and ability to demonstrate sufficient capacity for the provision of HIV Care and Support Services (the "Services). The work of the HIV Care and Support Service will complement other (HIV specific and generic) health and social care Services and enable people living with and affected by HIV in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham (LSL) to live well and independently and effectively manage their long-term condition. It will also work to reduce HIV transmission and tackle HIV related stigma and prejudice. Lot 1: The landscape for people living with HIV in England is dramatically different now to what it has been in the past. Enormous advances in pharmaceutical treatments have led to an increase in life expectancy for HIV positive people which for some is almost the same as that of the general population. Living with HIV with an undetectable load and a vastly reduced risk of transmission should mean a better quality of life for people living with HIV as well as emerging and changing needs, similar to those living with other long-term conditions. Nonetheless, there remain some demographic inequities throughout LSL in relation to risk of HIV infection and access to support services that will be addressed by this service. On top of this, widespread changes in service user behaviour in light of the Covid pandemic have further highlighted the need for a strong care and support services offer that does not further exacerbate existing inequities. Additional information: The proposed contract term is three (3) years with an option to extend for up to a further two (2) years. Total value over 3 year term £1,058,319. Total contract value if the options to extend are exercised £1,763,856.