Integrated Domestic Abuse Service at Sefton Council

Sefton is seeking to procure a fully Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) from 2025 for a minimum of 3 years. The service will provide holistic support to victims/survivors and families of domestic abuse, irrespective of protected characteristic or risk level. The service will provide therapeutic counselling to those who require it in order to build resilience and aid recovery from the long-term effects of domestic abuse. The service will address the priorities outlined in the action plan accompanying the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023-2028.

Based on the needs assessment that was commissioned to meet our statutory obligations under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, we have unmet need around:

 Reporting of domestic abuse in more affluent areas of the borough was less than in areas of deprivation.

 Older victims / survivors due to the varying age demographics across Sefton.

 Male victims

 Ensuring the voices of those with lived experience of domestic abuse are being fully utilised.

Key themes from Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) also highlight the importance of the following:

 Understanding and awareness of domestic abuse including – what domestic abuse can consist of, knowledge of family violence and abuse, understanding the barriers victims can face (particularly for older people, men and victims with other complex needs).

 Providing an appropriate response including – being trauma informed, using professional curiosity, appropriately identifying risk, knowing what support services are available.

We are proposing to procure a victim/survivor focused Integrated Community Domestic Abuse service that operates on a network approach. As a minimum, the following core services are required:

 Domestic Abuse Helpline.

 Drop in and 1:1 support for adult victims/survivors.

 1:1 support for children and young people.

 Group recovery support programmes for adults and children.

 Counselling and therapeutic support.

 Universal Healthy Relationship education for children and young people.

 Multi-agency training and volunteer coordination.

 Promotional resources that clearly outline what support is available and how to access it.

By attending the event we aim for you to

 Have the opportunity to discuss with commissioners and provide feedback on the approach adopted in the development of the required specification for future Integrated Domestic Abuse services in Sefton.

 Engage with the council to provide feedback into the design of the procurement process and contract management elements

 Have the opportunity to meet with other like-minded providers of the services to residents of the borough of Sefton.

The event is open to providers delivering or wishing to deliver Integrated Domestic Abuse services to residents in Sefton. The supplier event will be held on Tuesday 1st April 2025 10.00am until 12.00pm.

The event will be hosted in the Kingfisher Room at Crosby Lakeside & Adventure Centre, Cambridge Road, Waterloo, L22 1RR.

How to take part

To participate, you must express your interest to attend by uploading and submitting this form, via the Chest, by 12 noon on Friday 28th March 2025.