SOL - Advocacy Services Market Engagement

The Council is intending to commission advocacy services in the borough to meet the statutory requirements for Adult Social Care.

The council will be seeking a service provider to offer all areas of commissioned advocacy, this will include Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), NHS Complaints advocacy, and Care Act advocacy services as a minimum.

The scope of the service is currently under review and may contain: o Community and non-statutory advocacy services which provide support for people with difficulties understanding or retaining information which would allow them to make an informed decision on areas of their life, that fall outside of the scope of statutory advocacy services. o Peer support and advocacy services, involving people with similar needs to the person who needs assistance from the service.

This may include using social groups and activities or training volunteers to provide support. o Self-advocacy support to build the skills and knowledge needed for people to advocate for themselves where this is suitable, allowing them to maximise their independence. o Parents' advocacy services for parents with learning disabilities who are involved in Child Protection proceedings.

Solihull Council want to engage with the market to support the shaping of the next contract for the Advocacy Services before commencing the formal processes to retender this service.