Delivery of the Fast-Track Cities Initiative - Tackling HIV Stigma: Empowerment Programme Framework

Fast-Track Cities London is launching a fund to tackle the internal stigma experienced by people living with HIV. Despite all the advances in clinical care, we know that for people living with HIV, life can be difficult because of stigma and discrimination. HIV stigma is often based on outdated ideas and made worse by discrimination in other areas like gender, sexuality or race. We know that in order to get us to zero new cases of HIV, zero preventable deaths and 100 per cent of people living well, we must fight stigma and discrimination.

The fund consists of 6 contracts with a value in the range of £43,000 to £45,000 each to deliver an empowerment programme in 6 different communities to tackle internal stigma. The programme was developed by a group of experts from 8 different communities and voluntary organisations. It was based on previous knowledge and experience of tackling internal stigma, plus learning from previous programmes, training and campaigns. Contract is for one year from 17 January 2022. An additional £5k per orgnisation will be provided to collaborate to train a smaller group of ambassadors and wish to become voices for HIV in London. This is in addition to the contract value specified above so this must not be included in your bid price.

The winning supplier need to make sure that people completing the programme have: • developed a support network • understood the causes of internal stigma • understood what HIV is, U=U and living well with HIV • built self-acceptance, self-esteem and an individual sense of power • developed skills including self-advocacy, public advocacy and ambassador skills

Organisations would be expected to take part in a community of practice to create a network of HIV ambassadors. The plans to tackle HIV stigma and discrimination in the capital were developed with over 100 people and organisations in late 2019 and early 2020.

The opportunity to bid for these contracts is limited to organisations: • with a presence and services in London • experience of tackling stigma and empowering people living with HIV • Working with communities affected by internalised or self- stigma • willing to deliver the programme, and it's outcomes, for people living with HIV • Be willing to evaluate the outcomes of the programme

The winning bidders will be provided with a 'starter-pack' of relevant documents, however, any additional engagement activities to shape content and design will need to be organised and facilitated by the provider.

Additional information: Tender documents including specification can be accessed at:

https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=cc5a9808-b82a-ec11-810e-005056b64545

Interested organisations must register on Pro-contract, express an interest and submit a tender by 14:00 on 12 November 21.

There is a webinar on 18 October from 12.00 to 13.00 on Microsoft Teams to celebrate and present the completion of the Empowerment Programme and launch the tender. Webinar is optional for organisations interested in bidding. To register for the webinar, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fast-track-cities-london-stigma-empowerment-programme-launch-webinar-tickets-189601532287. There is no Q&A relating to the Tender in the webinar as there is a clarification questions stage operating as part of the tender process until 03 November 2021 where bidders can raise any clarifications questions related to this tender.