Independent Information, Advice and Advocacy Service to Support Independent Living [3854319]

The service to be procured includes - providing independent Information, Advice, and Advocacy to Service Users and Carers in Northern Ireland regarding managing finance and organising support services in relation to Self Directed Support (SDS) and the Independent Living Fund (ILF). Provide independent Information and Advice to Service Users and Carers to help them understand their role as an employer. Provide independent Information, training and awareness sessions to Health and Social Care Trust (HSCT) staff and students and other relevant networks and organisations engaging with individuals with an interest in Self Directed Support (SDS) and the Independent Living Fund (ILF). Take an active role in the promotion of SDS and policy development related to independent living. Liaise with HSCTs to explore the range of options available to Service Users and Carers in relation to SDS. Facilitate access to a range of accredited insurance and Payroll Services that can be engaged by Service Users and Carers. ‘Facilitate access’ in this case means to signpost or refer Service Users and Carers to such a Payroll Service on a neutral and non-biased basis. Additional information: The total value of the procurement in II.1.7) has been calculated on the basis of the following - an initial contract period of 3 years,. plus provision to extend the contract for 2x12 month periods. The value also includes a potential increase in services of 40% and the. provision in Section 18 of the B Document Specification to further extend by 3 x 6 months; This brings the potential overall value of this. contract to 3,080,400 GBP..