Greater Manchester (GM) is developing an Ethical Learning Disability and Autism Purchasing System. Local Authorities (LAs) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) within GM will commission person-centred and outcome-focused packages which will support people with learning disabilities and autism to be independent at home, learn new skills and connect with others. The life journey approach will seek innovative solutions from providers which develop a sense of community and a sustainable network local to where people live.
Support should focus on people's strengths and existing networks so that they can live as independently as possible. Commissioners understand that families also have a lot of expertise and knowledge so offering support to strengthen their abilities to care for family members is something that also contributes to choice if people want to remain in the family home. By having a menu of options available this will facilitate choice and control for individuals. We also want to promote providers offering innovative solutions that will tailor make support across lives not services.
Provision should be available to anyone aged 16+ (or all age).
Support could include Supported Living; Residential Homes; Nursing Homes; Respite; Domiciliary care; Emergency Accommodation; Specialist support at home; Shared Lives; Transitional services into adulthood.
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and promotes independence and growth in all areas of life. Making a meaningful contribution, the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities has been shown to raise levels of well-being.
Provision should be available to anyone aged 16+ (or all age).
Support could include Supported employment; Internships; Volunteering; Independent Living skill programmes; Travel Training; Life skills programmes e.g. communication, interview and job preparation, social skills etc.
Links should be offered to people with learning disabilities and/or autism that enable them to contribute to be a part of the local community, to make new friends and grow support networks beyond their existing relationships. Having people around us builds resilience and helps us to deal with life's challenges. Feedback has informed commissioners that support from people rather than a service is what makes a difference to an individual's life.
Provision should be available to anyone aged 16+ (or all age).
Support could include Day Support; Social clubs; Opportunity to develop friendships; Befriending services; Support to join universal services.
The fourth lot is a lot to include innovation and scope for future requirements throughout the life of the Purchasing System, should GM require additional capacity or innovation through the Purchasing System. Lot 4 will be scoped and issued to the market for providers to bid.
The 5th Lot will provide commissioners to purchase services for individuals. This enables providers to deliver a personalised service for service users. Services under lot 5 will include but not limited to Personal Assistants and Day Services. All successful bidders for Lots 1-4 will be added to Lot 5.
Once the Purchasing System is in place commissioners wishing to utilise Lot 5 will filter on locality and service provision and provide a ‘pen picture’ to available providers to establish individual contracts. Where the commissioner organisation sets rates for services, the rates will be provided.