Dorset Sexual Assault and Abuse Therapy Service

NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) South West (the Commissioner) seeks Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver a Sexual Assault and Abuse Therapy service for individuals in Dorset. The Dorset Sexual Assault and Abuse Therapy Service should offer: • A range of trauma-informed therapeutic interventions for children and adults of all genders who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. • Services for adults should prioritise those who have been assaulted within the last 12 months. • Services for children and young people, up to the age of 18 years, should be open to people who have been abused at any time. • Services for carers and families should be open to those supporting children and young people who are accessing the service. • Services should be available and equipped to work with people living with complex trauma. • Services should be available and accessible for people living pan-Dorset. • Services should be delivered both face-to-face and remotely, according to service user preference. • Services should be delivered individually or in groups where appropriate. • Clear escalation processes and referral pathways through the mental health pathway should be in place, to respond to the varying and changing needs of service users. • The Provider should have a comprehensive understanding of both statutory and voluntary sector therapeutic/ mental health provision and where their service fits into the integrated pathway. • Services should respond to the needs of people with protected characteristics, be culturally sensitive and offer reasonable adjustments where indicated. • Services should have a core objective of inclusivity and will encourage engagement with under-represented groups. The contract term will be for 7 years with a total whole-life contract value of £938,000. A procurement process is anticipated to be undertaken from February 2022 and the new contract to commence on 1st October 2022. Please note that dates are subject to change Providers who are interested in delivering these services are asked to express their interest and provide evidence of their capability and capacity in relation to the service requirements through a Market Engagement Questionnaire. This process is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners. Additional information: The services are healthcare services falling within Schedule 3 to the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 ("the Regulations") which are not subject to the full regime of the Regulations, but is instead governed by the "Light Touch Regime" contained within Chapter 3, Section 7 of the Regulations (Regulations 74 to 77).