Learning Disability Advocacy Contract

Kent County Council Adult Social Services Directorate acting on behalf of Learning Disability Partnership Board is  looking to award a 3-year contract for advocacy services.

The overall county contract is currently valued at £295,000.00, which is distributed equally between the 12 Districts of the County Council. There is a possibility of
further funding in 2008-9.

Advocacy will be provided and monitored on a District basis. The purpose of the service is to provide different forms of advocacy for people with a learning disability in dealing with health or social care issues, in line with Valuing People.

The areas identified as the focus of advocacy work in Kent include:

• Supporting the development of speaking up in each district.
• Young people with a learning disability in transition to adult services.
• People who are parents.
• People who live with elderly carers.
• People who live independently who are vulnerable to abuse.
• People from Black or minority ethnic communities.
• People who have issues or concerns about the service they receive.
• People who are facing major change in their lives.
• People with severe communication problems.

The key objectives of the service are:
• To support people to express their views, opinions and choice.
• To support people to understand and stand up for their rights.

The service will be delivered on the terms and conditions set out in the service agreement and in line with the service specification.

The contract will require the advocacy provider to meet specific quality targets relating to self-advocacy, issue-based and citizen advocacy services.

Providers are invited to tender for a contract to provide advocacy services in one or more Districts of the County Council. Consortium bids will also be welcomed, and bids are invited for all or part of the services required.

Please see attached list for the District breakdown. For details of how to obtain a tender pack, please visit the Southeast Business Portal website on
http://www.businessportal.sece.gov.uk