Carers Support Services in Newham

In line with our 3 year Carers Strategy Newham Council is exploring new and innovative ways to engage with and support the growing number of unpaid carers in the Borough. We would like to hear from organisations who have experience in this area of provision and/or ideas about how our objectives can be met. This is not an invitation to tender. The detailed service requirements are still in development, and information gathered from this engagement will inform the final service specification. We anticipate that the future contract may be structured in 2 Lots - one for virtual/online support and another for locally embedded face to face support. As a Council, we'd like to be able to:

• Engage Newham Carers at scale - particularly those from underrepresented groups, and those who do not have English as a first language.
• Provide Carers with access to up to date, relevant, practical and engaging materials that will empower them to manage their caring role
• Increase the wellbeing and resilience of Newham Carers
• Ensure that all Newham Carers have access to bespoke support at a time, place and in space/platform that works for them
• Ensure that all Newham Carers have access to comprehensive online/virtual practical and emotional support (both 1:1 and group)
• That all Newham carers have access to effective face to face practical and emotional support within the community
• That all young carers in Newham have access to engaging activities in a format relevant to them both virtually and within the community
• Maximise links to other Newham partners and providers.
• Ensure that all Newham Carers understand the Statutory Assessment process and are supported to access statutory services where required
• To provide a programme of engaging face to face and virtual events that will celebrate, raise awareness of, and engage Carers to ensure that they access the support that they need
• Are representative and have good local knowledge of the rich, diverse culture that makes up Newham carers.
• Ensure that resident led Carers support groups in Newham are provided with the support they need to increase their reach and impact.
• Explore innovative and effective ways to offer respite services to eligible carers.

- Ensure that the actions within the Carers Strategy are delivered (Carers Strategy 2021-24 - Carers - Newham Council).

Please note that as a council we are also keen to understand the potential benefits associated with externally commissioning Statutory Carers Assessments. If you feel that your organisation has the ability and experience to help us deliver some, or all of the above objectives then please complete the attached provider questionnaire and return to us by Friday 6th May.
Relevant providers will then be invited to attend a Market Engagement event being held at: Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, E16 2QU on Thursday 12th May 2022. Provider engagement sessions will be running all day, and providers will be invited to attend a 60 minute slot nearer the time.