Wandsworth Talking Therapy Services

NHS Wandsworth Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is seeking to commission Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) which will be referred to as ‘Wandsworth Talking Therapy Service’ under the new contract arrangement. IAPT is an NHS programme of talking therapy treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to support frontline mental health services in treating depression and anxiety disorders. It was created to offer people a realistic and routine first-line treatment, combined where appropriate with medication, which traditionally had been the only treatment available. In relation to achieving the aims and objectives of the national programme the Commissioners have identified a good IAPT service should provide: • Equitable access to talking therapies • Timely access • Choice of NICE compliant treatments and access to alternative pathways • Flexible number of sessions fitting clients’ needs • Provide a choice treatment locations • Good clinical outcomes with improved health and well-being (including employment)

In addition to IAPT, the service will also include the provision of a Digital Mental Health Service which will provide a regulated online community service space in a supportive and therapeutic environment. The service will offer digital mental health support through peer support, structured online programme and one to one therapy at NICE step 3. The expectation is that structured self-management programmes on common mental health conditions, wellbeing issues smoking such as alcohol control, and weight management and physical health conditions will form a key component of the service. The CCG anticipates awarding a contract for 3 years to the appointed provider with the option to extend for a further 2 years at the CCG’s discretion. The expected service commencement date is 1st October 2016. The annual value of the contract estimated at £2,500,000 - £3,000,000. A Draft version of the Service Specification for comment and review, and a Market Engagement Questionnaire for completion will be shared with Potential Bidders that express an interest in this opportunity.

Potential Bidders are invited to a market engagement event on Tuesday 19th April at 9.30am at Wandsworth CCG, 73 Upper Richmond Rd, East Putney, London, SW15 2SR

***INTERESTED PARTIES ARE ASKED TO CONFIRM THEIR ATTENDANCE AND EXPRESS THEIR INTERESTS IN THE OPPORTUNITEE BY EMAILING: [email protected] REFERENCING ‘WANDSWORTH TALKING THERAPY SERVICE MARKET ENGAGEMENT’ IN THE TITLE. THE DEADLINE FOR EXPRESIONS OF INTEREST IS 17.00 ON THURSDAY 14TH APRIL 2016. PLEASE PROVIDE THE CONTACT DETAILS OF UP TO 3 BIDDER EVENT ATTENDEES WITHIN YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST***

The CCG anticipate publishing a Contract Notice to commence procurement during April 2016. The submission of an expression of interest is not a prerequisite to any subsequent procurement application.