Provision of A Young Persons Service

Building on part of the existing service, provision will provide accommodation, with support available on site 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Service will have the ultimate aim of relieving the homelessness of young people and intensively supporting vulnerable Service Users to develop the skills needed to move on and eventually live independently. A minimum of 13 units of accommodation is required. Support must be person centred and aimed at supporting young people, working to individuals’ strengths and supporting them to achieve their aspirations. The Service will be provided in a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE). Staff must have a comprehensive understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and adopt a trauma informed approach, recognising and responding to the impact of trauma. Support will be holistic and respond to Service User needs, which in many circumstances will require effective multi-agency working. The Provider must ensure they deliver all Services with the five key components of a PIE at its core (the psychological framework; relationships; Staff support and training; evidence generating practice; and physical environment). Support Staff will work with Service Users to develop skills, with the aim of improving the ability of Service Users to live independently and sustain independent accommodation. The Provider will ensure there are strong links with local employment and education Services to avoid Service Users being NEET (not in education, employment or training). See tender pack for a more detailed specification and terms

Building on the existing service provision this Lot will provide supported accommodation for those aged 18 – 21, with varying support needs. A minimum of 23 units of accommodation are required, which will include provision for 1 emergency bed. Bidders will be expected to submit their Staffing structures within the financial envelope, with consideration of the buildings utilised, but there is not a requirement that all 23 units have Staff on site 24/7, 365 days per year. The Service will have the ultimate aim of relieving the homelessness of young people and intensively supporting vulnerable Service Users to develop the skills needed to move on and eventually live independently. Support must be person centred and aimed at supporting young people, working to individuals strengths and supporting them to achieve their aspirations. The Service will be provided in a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE). Staff must have a comprehensive understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and adopt a trauma informed approach, recognising and responding to the impact of trauma. Support will be holistic and respond to Service User needs, which in many circumstances will require effective multi-agency working. The Provider must ensure they deliver all Services with the five key components of a PIE at its core (the psychological framework; relationships; Staff support and training; evidence generating practice; and physical environment). Support Staff will work with Service Users to develop skills, with the aim of improving the ability of Service Users to live independently and sustain independent accommodation. The Provider will ensure there are strong links with local employment and education services to avoid Service Users being NEET (not in education, employment or training). See tender pack and service specification for a full breakdown of requirements

The aim of this Service is to support vulnerable young people who are experiencing relationship issues with their parents, other relatives or carers with the view to, where safe, prevent homelessness or in the case of individuals who are already homeless facilitate the Service User home. Instead of having separate Mediation and Advocacy roles, it is envisaged that the service going forward will be more cohesive and support should be tailored to the young person requiring assistance. A key part of the Service is to engage with young people at an early stage and so the Service will look to engage with young people and their families, ideally before a situation reaches crisis point so that homelessness can be prevented. In addition to early intervention, this Service will be required to work collaboratively across all younger people’s services, including the accommodation-based projects detailed in Lots 1 and 2 of this Services Specification to continue to try and rebuild relationships within the family home with the ultimate aim to return home where safe to do so. It is imperative that there is seamless provision across all services detailed in all 3 Lots. The advocacy element of the role will provide an independent and confidential service, which includes information, advice, representation and support. Young people will be enabled to express their wishes and feelings in relation to any choices that are presented to them. Part of the advocacy element will, where the young person requests it, include having separate discussions with young people and parents. Advocates will have a strong understanding of a young person’s rights concerning housing and homelessness and be able to navigate local processes for accessing provision.