Emotional Wellbeing Service – Children We Care for and Care Experience Young People

Sandwell Council in partnership with Sandwell Children's Trust sought to commission an emotional mental health and wellbeing (MHWB) service for children we care for (CWCF) 5-18 years old and care-experienced young people (CEYP 18-25 years old). The service will deliver therapeutic interventions, assessments, and support across three pathways:

• Emotional wellbeing support for children entering care
• Stabilising homes to prevent placement breakdown
• Emotional wellbeing support for care-experienced young people (up to age 25 for SEND/CEYP). This service is being commissioned in response to mental health needs among vulnerable children and young people, with the aim of reducing placement instability and improving resilience, relationships, and long-term life outcomes. The service will be delivered across the Sandwell Borough and where required up to a 20-mile radius. alongside digital provision for those living outside the 20-mile radius. The contract period will be for an initial period of three (3) years from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. There is an additional option to extend for a further two (2) year period until 31 March 2031 at the Council’s discretion. The provider will be expected to deliver measurable improvements in placement stability, emotional wellbeing, and resilience, evidenced through SDQ scores, placement data, and service user feedback. The service will be monitored against agreed KPIs and outcomes.