Tender: Essex Carers Hub – Countywide Specialist Support for Unpaid Carers (18+) with Young Carers Counselling and Wellbeing Grants

About

Essex County Council is seeking a provider, or a lead provider working with delivery partners, to deliver the Essex Carers Hub, a countywide specialist support service to improve the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life of unpaid carers aged 18 and over. The Service also includes a counselling offer for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers under the age of 18 who are referred by Essex Youth Service. The scope includes specialist information, advice and guidance; coaching and counselling; peer support groups; training and learning; a single point of contact; wellbeing grants (ordinarily up to £300, with circa £500k per year available to administer); and a two-year pilot for employment support. Carers assessments and personal budgets remain the responsibility of the Council, and the single-contract approach reflects carers’ preference for a consistent, coordinated service; the contract may be expanded to cover Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.