Provision of Autism Support Advice and Inclusion Service across North West London

NHS North West London requires the provision of an Autism Support Advice & Inclusion Service to deliver a peer-led support, advice & signposting service for autistic people without a learning disability aged 14 & over. One of the key features of this service is that it will be delivered by people with lived experience of autism, & shaped, tested, & evaluated by the autistic people & families who use it. <br/><br/>The contract term is for a three (3) year period, with an optional extension period of two (2) years, starting 1st July 2023 with an estimated contract value of £450,000 per annum, inclusive of VAT. A mobilisation period of 1 month will be applied prior to the commencement of the start date.<br/><br/>NHS NW London is looking to tender this opportunity via an Atamis portal in the coming weeks. This procurement process is subject to the so-called light touch regime as set out in regulations 74-76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (“PCR”) as the procurement concerns health services which are social & other specific services according to the PCR. This opportunity is likely to be of interest to an organisation from the voluntary, community & social enterprise (VCSE) sector.<br/><br/>The service will:<br/>-Provide direct face-to-face & virtual pre & post diagnostic support to autistic adults delivered as 1:1 & group sessions. This will include support with communication, executive functioning tasks, budgeting & navigating services.<br/>-Deliver group sessions to young people aged 14 to 17. <br/>-Offer specialist training & advice to families, employers & professionals (including but not limited to those working across statutory, voluntary & community services within health, social care, education, criminal justice system & advisory settings) to improve autism awareness & acceptance within communities & the wider system. <br/>-Develop mechanisms & facilitate sessions to provide opportunities for autistic people to share their views & experiences & contribute to plans to improve specialist & mainstream services & pathways.<br/><br/>Key features of the service include:<br/>-Delivery of a flexible & responsive service, which will develop according to the emerging needs, preferences & life experiences of the autistic people who use it.<br/>-Needs-led drop-in & drop-out service which people can access & take time to explore at their own pace.<br/>-A flexible referral route which includes self –referrals.<br/>-At least one base in NW London to ensure the service is accessible for our residents & to support strong community connections & links with local providers. If needed, the provider will be expected to work with local partners to identify community venues in other boroughs across NW London which can be used for holding local drop-ins & meetings. <br/>-Operation of flexible working hours including the delivery of some 1:1 & group sessions during evenings & weekends.<br/>-A strong website presence to publish up to date information on autism & the support available.<br/><br/>The overarching aims for the service are to:<br/>-Improve the quality of life for autistic people & their partners & families in NW London.<br/>-Promote the right to independence, relationships, employment, & education.<br/>-Improve awareness & acceptance of autism amongst our communities.<br/>-Improve access to services through reasonable adjustments.<br/>-Provide early intervention to avoid crisis. <br/>-Promote the safety & wellbeing of autistic people. <br/>-Reduce health & wellbeing inequalities faced by autistic people.<br/>-Continue to test the service model based on the principles of co-production, user led service design & strength based approaches.<br/>-Support the system to identify gaps & determine the level of demand for a similar NW London peer-led service for children & young people & their families.<br/><br/>Please refer to the 'Conditions for Participation' section below.