The Department of Social Services has for sometime been developing an Integrated Carer Support Service (ICSS) in recognition of the need to support and sustain the vital work of unpaid carers. This development has been undertaken in three key stages which has involved the implementation of a Carer Gateway launched in 2015. The Department then proceeded to design the ICSS in consultation with industry and community partners and is now in a position to implement this Service.
To that end, two Requests for Tender (RFT) have been issued for complementary workpackages that aim to commence implementation of the ICSS by June 18. The main outcomes of the service are to support carers earlier in a proactive way, and build their capacity to sustain their caring role with a range of face to face as well as online tools. The first of the RFTs is for a Carer Coaching and Peer Support Service to be delivered face to face, this tender is due 11 Apr 18. The second is for the digital component of online counseling and peer support services due 24 Apr 18.
Both RFTs require a range of skill sets and are as such suited to a consortium or partnership arrangement. Note that although the digital RFT allows for tenderers to bid on part of the services, evaluators tend to favour those that can bid on the complete service as it reduces the overall risk to the project. An industry brief was held via webinar on the 19 Mar 18, however, if you missed this briefing it is likely that the content wil be made available via addendum.
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