First Episode Psychosis · UK public procurement notice

The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board UHB currently deliver care to just over half a million people. The Health Board provides primary, community, inpatient and tertiary mental health services out of five hospital sites and twelve community bases through over 64 integrated teams. The range of services includes core mental health services such as adult and older people’s community mental health multi-disciplinary teams and aligned inpatient beds but also support, specialist and tertiary services.

The Welsh Government Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2034 intends to improve mental health and wellbeing. It has a solid emphasis on prevention and early intervention, in addition to setting out a framework for the provision of specialist mental health services for those who need them. Early Intervention in Psychosis Teams have been established to minimise the impact of psychosis and promote recovery.

The service provider should ensure full compliance with relevant legislation and guidance. The service provider should ensure that all interventions are delivered in accordance with the available and emerging evidence as defined by the Welsh Government, including but not exclusive to:

• Mental Health Act 1983
• Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998
• The Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010
• The Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014
• Scope of the Requirement

Psychosis is a major public health concern for which early intervention delivered through dedicated teams can reduce the risks of lifelong disability. In Cardiff and Vale, the annual incidence of first episode psychosis for 16–25-year-olds is approximately 60 people a year (www.psymaptic.org ↗) leading to the highest predicted demand on early intervention services in Wales. Headroom is the Early Intervention for Psychosis for Cardiff and Vale. The service is an established multidisciplinary team working out of Avon House in Penarth.

The Headroom service model

Headroom provides treatment and care to 14 to 25 years olds experiencing their first episode of psychosis for 3 years from onset. Adolescence is a critical and formative period in life where young people transition into adulthood and new roles. The experience of psychosis severely disrupts social networks and participation in family life, education, and employment leading to delays or curtailment in the young person's aspirations.

Headroom aims to maximise recovery through the delivery of NICE concordant treatment and care. This includes the provision of peer support, occupational therapy, and employment advice. The service seeks to work with a third sector provider to compliment these interventions for promote social and community participation thereby improving individuals' self-esteem, confidence, and chances of entering education training or employment. The clinical objectives of the service would be to:

1. Work with the young person and the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated services
2. Identify and establish community resources and facilities for young people in recovery
3. Support engagement and participation in community activities, education, training, or employment.
4. Engage with young people, monitor their progress, and prepare them for discharge from the service.
5. Monitor activity and report on key performance measures