South East London (SEL) British Sign Language (BSL) NHS Talking Therapies Service

The NHS Long Term Plan (LTP, 2019) emphasises the ability of NHS Talking Therapies services to provide effective support for people with depression and anxiety disorders that can be managed effectively in a uni-professional context.

As Talking Therapies services expanded there has been a need identified to increase access for people who are Deaf and use BSL. A service was commissioned by NHS England up until February 2025. Since then, ICBs are responsible for commissioning a service suitable to the needs of their local population.

SEL ICB recognises the value of a BSL talking therapies provision to meet the needs of Deaf adults requiring support for anxiety and depression and now seeks to commission this service for the population of SEL with GPs in the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

The commissioner is looking for a single provider, for period of two years from 1st July 2026, with the option of a one year extension.

Interested organisations must express an interest and submit a tender via Atamis e-tendering portal by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender documents. Bidders needs to register on Atamis/Health Family if they are not registered already. This can be done by clicking the link below:

atamis-1928.my.site.com/s/Welcome ↗

Once registered, you can express an interest in this project on the site by going to the Atamis Contract Reference: C405360 PRJ2234 British Sign Language (BSL) NHS Talking Therapies Service for South East.

The value is up to £330000 over the maximum 3 years of the contract.