Devon Mental Health Alliance (DMHA)

In Devon, it is estimated that approximately 1% of the adult population (aged 18+) is living with a serious mental illness (SMI), which includes diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depressive disorders. This prevalence equates to roughly 10,000 individuals across the county, highlighting the significant demand for services designed to meet the needs of this population.

Furthermore, the prevalence of SMI in Devon is expected to rise due to a combination of factors, including population growth, an aging demographic, and the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. These trends underline the importance of continuing to integrate mental health services and expand support for those with SMI in the coming years.

By embedding the principles and successes of the Community Mental Health Framework into ongoing service delivery, the Devon Mental Health system aims to continue improving outcomes for this population while addressing the anticipated rise in demand for mental health services in the future. The need to maintain a strong focus on supporting the wellbeing of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and integrating mental health services within primary and community care settings has been further underlined by recent high-profile events.

These events have raised concerns about how to best support individuals diagnosed with conditions such as psychosis and schizophrenia, particularly when they do not actively engage in treatment or follow-up care. This service offers support to people with a defined Serious Mental Illness (SMI), covering a range of needs and diagnoses, including but not limited to psychosis, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, severe depression, complex emotional disorders and mental health rehabilitation needs.

The service will operate as a multi-agency team partner with primary and secondary care providing: • Open Access Front Door: Accessible entry point for adults with SMI. • Navigation Support: Assistance in accessing appropriate community services. • One-to-One Emotional Support: Personalised emotional support. • Psychosocial and Group Support: Group work and interventions to enhance mental wellbeing. • Peer Support: Peer support programmes encouraging shared experiences. • Community-Based Wellbeing Support: Ongoing support to help individuals with SMI stay well in their communities. The delivery model is designed at a locality level reflecting the differing needs of communities.

The service will support people to improve their wellbeing through one-to-one support, counselling, signposting, peer support sessions, training, workshops and more. This notice is the Trust's statement of our intention to award a contract to an existing provider following the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, direct award process C. The approximate lifetime value of this contract is £6,850,156 (based on a 2yr initial term + 3 x 1-yr optional extension options) The services will be provided between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2029 (excluding 3 x 1-yr optional extension options)