SOL - 23054 - Information and Advice Services Market Engagement

The Council is intending to commission information and advice services for people in Solihull to meet the needs of Adult Social Care, offering a general advice service which is accessible to residents, alongside targeted, specialist services delivered to communities. The scope of the service is currently under review and may contain:

• Improved health and wellbeing – for example, tenancy advice and support, safe housing support, supporting people in food poverty, supporting people in crisis to access further support, support to people with cognitive impairment, mental health guidance, low level information and guidance for those with long term conditions and disability, promoting healthy lifestyles, information and guidance on direct payments.
• Increased capacity and ability to cope – connecting people with community groups, support to retain safe housing, self-advocacy, work with other local support offers, identify national support offers, support refugee and migrant communities with guidance on visas, work rights, immigration status etc., support for carers.
• Increased financial stability and resilience – early access to debt support and advice, support with completing forms for financial support, LPA, deputyship and appointeeship applications, budget planning and support, debt and benefits low level and specialist support, distribution of grant funding on behalf of the Council.

Solihull Council want to engage with the market to support the shaping of the next contract for the Information and Advice Services before commencing the formal processes to retender this service.