This service is a dynamic purchasing system for the provision of care, support and accommodation services for adults and young people in transition to adulthood (16+), with complex learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health needs, including autism and challenging behaviour.

This will centre on support which focuses on people’s strengths and existing networks so that they can live as independently as possible. By having a menu of options available this will facilitate choice and control for individuals. We also want to encourage providers who offer innovative solutions that will tailor make support across lives not services (this would also include transitional services into adulthood).This could include:

— Supported Living (with or without accommodation),

— Extra Care Housing,

— Step up/Step Down provision (this could include complex residential placements and emergency provision),

— Shared Lives.

This would enable individuals with complex needs to contribute to be a part of the local community, to make new friends and grow support networks beyond their existing relationships. Usually this would be people who live in their own home, with low level support (not 24 hour support). This includes support provided as a result of an assessment of need i.e. people who access services for short periods of time for example day services. This could include:

— Support into employment and internships,

— Travel training,

— Life skills programmes,

— Day Opportunities,

— Befriending,

— Support for maintaining tenancies.

This will include innovation and scope for future requirements throughout the life of the DPS, should the Council require additional capacity. This may also see services scoped and issued to providers on the DPS to bid for services. This will allow commissioners to purchase a range of specialist services for individuals, groups and cohorts.

Through Lot 3 we envisage the commissioning of specific services including those for specific ‘cohorts’ where partners see the potential for a new scheme meeting the needs of several people. It could also include the commissioning of specialist services which focus on delivering service provision to individuals with complex needs such as Complex Residential Placements, preventative services and outreach services for days, evenings and weekends that support individuals with a range of different needs.