Dementia Support Workers (DSW) Service

The Dementia Connect service provides Dementia Support Workers (DSWs) to ensure that everyone diagnosed with dementia can access dementia care in the community and care homes. The team provide quality, evidence-based care across Somerset and offer information and practical guidance to help people understand the condition, cope with day-to-day challenges and prepare for the future. DSWs provide support to people with dementia and their carers to help them achieve their own care goals for instance, engaging in activities and supporting carers. Resources are available to ensure that the service is accessible to as many people as possible including consideration around language barriers and signposting to culturally appropriate care and those living in areas which have a high level of healthcare inequalities. The service has a focus on advising people of practical changes they can make, and where they can get extra help if required.

PSR Direct Award Process C has been used for the award of this contract. The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contract. The services provided are the service specification are not changing considerably.

The Commissioner made the decision of directly awarding the incumbent

Provider Alzheimer's Society in accordance with the following five criteria outlined in Regulation (9) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023:

• Quality and innovation
• Value
• Integration, collaboration, and service sustainability
• Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice
• Social value

The authority is assured that the current provider is delivering this service and outcomes to a satisfactory level and meeting the needs of the Somerset Population and provides support for individuals, families and professionals who are suffering from Dementia to be able to visit and receive immediate support.

The contract value is £372,591.00.

The contract will commence 1st April 2026 for 12 months with the option to extend for a further 12 months which would take the expiry to 31st March 2028 if the option to extend for a further year is enacted.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 24th March 2026 (8 working days following publication of intention to award notice). This contract has not yet formally been awarded;

This Notice has been published by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.