All-Age Carers Service

A streamlined and simplified Information, Advice and Guidance platform for carers, with onward referral routes into carers support services. The provision of a citywide, streamlined and simplified access point for carers of all ages through a digital platform, Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service. Its core functions include: o High quality, accurate, Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) for carers o Initial triage and navigation to the right service, pathway or support - complementing and aligning with existing mechanisms such as Adults and Children's Liquid Logic Case Management System, and consistent with existing pathways and service areas. o Supporting consistent data collection, performance reporting and outcomes tracking o Improving the overall carer journey by reducing duplication and confusion o Providing opportunities for online peer support and connection

Holistic support for carers aged 18+ The provision of a single, integrated adult carers offer, including parent carers. It will provide: o Referral management to support the digital platform and triage system o Undertaking statutory carers assessments in line with the Care Act 2014 and support planning on behalf of the Council which meet statutory duties o Advice on carers' rights, signposting and holistic approaches to support o Wellbeing support and activities o Effective joint working with the provider of Lot 3 to ensure an appropriate transition between the age of 18 and 25, supporting the change of statutory duty from the Children and Families Act 2014 to the Care Act 2014. o Delivery of both Adult Carers (18+) and Young Adult Carers (18-25) provision simultaneously. Where an individual aged 18-25 presents to the Lot 2, they must be offered the choice to remain within that service or be referred to Lot 3. This supports both best practice and a no wrong door approach. o Alignment with the principles and delivery of the Neighbourhood Model o Targeted outreach to diverse and under‑represented communities o Collaboration with local systems partners to strengthen the local offer for carers, improve awareness and understanding of the carer population o Ongoing support to build resilience and independence o Appropriate co-location with other elements of the service to provide a seamless service offer whilst facilitating outreach to support the neighbourhood model o Tailored support which enhances outcomes during transition of life stages, particularly between young carers and adult carers services

Age‑appropriate, tailored support for children and young people The provision of support for Young Carers (up to age 18) and Young Adult Carers (up to Age 25). It includes support for sibling carers, recognising their distinct legal, developmental and safeguarding needs. Core features include: o Referral management to support the digital platform and Information, Advice and Guidance service o Undertaking statutory, holistic, age-appropriate carers assessments and support planning on behalf of the Council which meet statutory duties o Tailored breaks, activities and peer support opportunities o Support that minimises the impact of caring responsibilities on education, attendance, attainment and participation in school life, alongside the promotion of wellbeing and family life o Alignment with Children's Services and Education pathways o Effective joint working with the provider of Lot 2 to ensure an appropriate transition between the age of 18 and 25, supporting the change of statutory duty from the Children and Families Act 2014 to the Care Act 2014. o Delivery of both Adult Carers (18+) and Young Adult Carers (18-25) provision simultaneously. Where an individual aged 18-25 presents to the Lot 3, they must be offered the choice to remain within that service or be referred to Lot 2. This supports both best practice and a no wrong door approach. o Targeted outreach to diverse and under-represented children and young people o Collaboration with local systems partners to strengthen the local offer for carers, improve awareness and understanding of the carer population o Ongoing support to build resilience and independence o Appropriate co-location with other elements of the service to provide a seamless service offer whilst facilitating outreach to support the neighbourhood model o Tailored support which enhances outcomes during transition of life stages, particularly between young carers and adult carers services

Independent advocacy for adult carers The provision of free, independent, professional issue-based advocacy for carers aged 18+: o Referral management to support the digital platform Information, Advice and Guidance service o Supporting carers to understand their rights and options o Ensuring carers are heard in assessments, reviews and decision making o Supporting carers to navigate complex health, social care and wider systems o Offering professional and competent issue-based advocacy for carers regarding issues that impact them, e.g., housing, finance and debt o Promotion of self-advocacy to enable carers to advocate on their own behalf o Onward support to access specialist legal advice, where required o Appropriate co-location with other elements of the service to provide a seamless service offer whilst facilitating outreach to support the neighbourhood model

Flexible breaks and community‑based opportunities The identification, sourcing and offers / allocation of flexible, creative carer opportunities outside of traditional short breaks alone, by: o Engaging local businesses, community organisations and partners to provide free or subsidised breaks, activities and practical support for carers of all ages o Promoting wellbeing, social connection and prevention o Supporting carers to access the right opportunities that meets their needs and interests o Promoting opportunities for business to deliver social value to the city and local communities o Ensuring equality of access to appropriate opportunities across all age groups o Developing, utilising and interfacing with technology/systems to source, register and advertise opportunities including the Digital Platform that will be delivered through Lot 1 of this contract