Provision of Crisis Prevention Services

This specification outlines the development of a Mental Health Crisis Prevention Service in Barking and Dagenham, a third sector-led service providing non-clinical, community-based mental health support. The service will focus on supporting those experiencing self-defined mental health distress who do not require immediate medical attention.

It will offer timely interventions aimed at preventing escalation to statutory services like psychiatric liaison or emergency departments. This initiative aligns with local needs, addressing the unique demographic and socio-economic factors of Barking and Dagenham.

Hours of Operation: Demand of service will be flexible and include weekends/out of hours and Bank Holidays this will be monitored closely and dependent on change to local needs and demands. The service will be expected to have the core hours shown below; dependant on usage and volumes of the service provision, it is expected that the Provider will highlight the uptake of demand to the Trust as part of the monitoring of the contract lifecycle and the contracting authority to review further flexible operating hours to meet the local residents’ requirements.

Initial Core Hours Every Friday 17:30-22:30 (It will be expected that the last residents will arrive at 22:00 to prepare for closing) Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays - 10:00 - 16:00 The provider will be expected to conduct outreach work during the days of Monday – Thursday to engage with the local population to ensure those who do not present or have barriers to accessing services can then be supported to access services.

Outreach Teams: Users of service unable to travel or leave their home. Locations: The provider will be responsible for sourcing an accessible venue initially which shall be available easy to access via public transport, including those with specialist needs, physical disabilities and sensory needs.

It is expected, the initial hub will be in place for 3 months after which, upon discussion with the contracting authority, the service will become mobile across various venues in Barking and Dagenham to continue the commitment to outreach and engagement for the Crisis Preventative space. All venues should have the following considerations: • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK.

It sets out the general duties of employers, employees, and self-employed individuals to ensure health and safety at work. • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, make arrangements to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people, and arrange for appropriate information and training. • Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2005: These regulations require the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures. • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) The awarded provider will have access to the Contracting Authority’s associated services for signposting and referrals, this is to ensure the outsourced workforce is aware and is continuously promoting services to assist with crisis prevention. The provider will be expected to work with the associated teams within NELFT which shall include NELFT’s Barking and Dagenham Adults Mental Health Service .

The provider may be expected to attend various meetings and forums during the development of the Crisis Preventative offer, this shall form as part of service delivery and will be presented to the provider within the contract management meetings to agree. Peer Support: Trained individuals with lived experience will offer non-clinical, empathetic support.

Practical Support: Assistance with housing, financial, and employment-related issues that may be exacerbating the distress. Outreach and Culturally Sensitive Support: Proactive outreach to BAME communities and individuals facing deprivation, ensuring communication in culturally appropriate ways through partnerships with local VCSEs.

Safe and welcoming environment: Developing a non-clinical and relaxing atmosphere for all sensory aspects of the space. This might include a sensory calming smell, colourful walls, comfortable furniture, non-claustrophobic and feeling close to nature.

Particular care will be taken to encourage applications from people with local connection to the area, and who represent the diverse communities of Barking and Dagenham. The provider will be expected to adhere to the requirements of London Living Wage for the assigned workforce. Overall, the post holder will provide support and recovery guidance to individuals experiencing common and severe mental health problems, using their own life experience of mental distress or as a carer and recovery as a template.