Carers Support Service

Tender description

Milton Keynes City Council intends to procure Carers Support Service that will provide support and increase independence for residents with unpaid caring responsibilities, this may be caring for a family member, relative or friend.Milton Keynes has a statutory duty under the Care Act 2014 and The Children and Families Act to proactively, identify, assess, and support Carers and young Carers.  The census data shows that the numbers of carers in MK is 21,797 as of 2021. We are looking to introduce an ‘umbrella model’ of delivery and will require the following: 1)Lead ProviderThe lead provider will be an organisation that can provide general carer support and information and lead the smaller specialist organisations. 2) Specialist organisations We will also require groups with specialist knowledge and skills relating to the condition of the cared for, or the situation of the carer to provide support . Lot 1: This is a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for information only. It is not a formal invitation to tender.Estimated Contract length – up to 2 year pilot Estimated Contract value – total contract value - £738,000 across all providersEstimated start of contract : November 2024Milton Keynes City Council intends to procure Carers Support Service that will provide support and increase independence for residents with unpaid caring responsibilities, this may be caring for a family member, relative or friend.Milton Keynes has a statutory duty under the Care Act 2014 and The Children and Families Act to proactively, identify, assess, and support Carers and young Carers.  The census data shows that the numbers of carers in MK is 21,797 as of 2021. We are looking to introduce an ‘umbrella model’ of delivery and will require the following: 1)Lead ProviderThe lead provider will be an organisation that can provide general carer support and information and lead the smaller specialist organisations. This will include, but is not restricted to: • Increase identification of carers • Navigation – what you need to do when and who with at different stages of the carer journey • Information on financial matters – benefit claims/ entitlement, legal matters – POA, employment, carers rights• Wellbeing – mental health and physical health support ( with focus on prevention of carer breakdown) and signposting , balancing life and carer role• General support groups – peer led to include working carers group, diverse communities, bereavement and ex carers • Support to those looking to develop their own informal support networks, generic training, support coproduction • Prescence in the community • Collate and share information on what is available for Carers in MK, including events • Quarterly innovative and engaging MK based newsletter, • Virtual hub – access information without having to visit – email• Championing identification of who is a carer • Demonstrate an inclusive approach to represent the demographics of Milton Keynes 2) Specialist organisations We will also require groups with specialist knowledge and skills relating to the condition of the cared for, or the situation of the carer to provide support . This may include, but is not restricted to: • Identification of carers • Provide information on condition, training related to caring eg moving and handling, nutrition, sleep etc• Support group for carers – peer led , with relevant speakers of interest• Online and face to face ( these could be run concurrently with group for cared for) and consideration given to working carers • Lead and ensure all carers have a presence in Milton Keynes• For young carers and young adult carers – support in schools and an inclusive, accessible activity program, to include the school holidays. We welcome interest from local VCSE providers who can provide the required services. If you would be interested in tendering for this service please send an email with your organisation details (Name, key contact, email & address) to procurement@milton-keynes.gov.uk by the 11/03/2024 to confirm your interest?