Market Engagement Exercise - Peer-to-peer support group in Southwark

Southwark Council is currently planning to procure a targeted peer-to-peer support group/s for communities who are at greater risk of poor mental health and/or are less likely to access mental health support. The proposed service is likely to run for an initial trail period of one year and will deliver sessions on a weekly basis.

The aim of the service is to enhance the health and well-being of individuals from communities who may face barriers accessing traditional mental health offers. The service will target communities where one or more of the below applies: • there are known nuances affecting their perceptions and experiences of mental health services • there is evidence of persistent inequalities in access, experiences of care, and treatment outcomes Black African and Caribbean communities are one possible target group for this planned procurement.

A recent Healthwatch Southwark report (January 2025) explored mental health services for Black and African Caribbean communities in Southwark found that there needs to be more locally embedded community-based services, as well as consultation with non-clinical and community-based mental health services to identify needs and establish good practice models. We would like to hear from any organisations who are currently providing non-clinical, community-based peer-to-peer support services for specific communities, to better understand: • The readiness of the market to deliver these services in Southwark • Size of the market in Southwark • Types of peer-to-peer support groups current offered • The pricing structure We would welcome responses from any organisations delivering these services or similar services, whether or not they are currently being delivered to local authorities.