Peer Mentoring for Individuals with a Substance Dependency - Scotland and Wales

Individuals with a substance dependency often have the most complex needs.

Without specialist intervention, many are unable to overcome barriers to recovery and employment.

Individuals are often unwilling to disclose their dependency to Jobcentre Plus (JCP) Work Coaches due to denial, shame, or fear that they will be sanctioned in some way.

Other individuals with a dependency may not be engaged with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (the Buyer) at all.

As a result, individuals are not able to receive the help and support they need to overcome the addiction and move towards or into work.

The Buyer is therefore seeking to run a new Peer Mentoring Trial, with the expectation of there being a minimum of seven (7) Peer Mentors in two (2) Jobcentre boroughs within Scotland and North Wales in 2023 - Scotland (4-6 Peer Mentors covering Partick, Drumchapel, Springburn, Laurieston, Glasgow City, and Shettleston); North Wales (3-5 Peer Mentors covering Wrexham, Denbighshire (Rhyll), and Flintshire (Shotton)).

Peer Mentors will use their lived experience of addiction and recovery to inspire, motivate and support others to manage their dependency, access appropriate support (including treatment, Universal Credit, housing services) and move towards employment.

Please note: All interested Suppliers must already have been accredited on DWP's Test and Learn Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) under the Peer Support service line.

This is a procurement for services under the Light Touch Regime and DWP will not be bound by Public Contracts Regulations 2015 except as such Regulations are applicable to the Light Touch Regime.

DWP expressly reserves the rights: (i) to cancel this procurement at any stage; (ii) to not award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by publication of this notice; (iii) to make whatever changes it may see fit to the content and structure of the tendering competition; (iv) and in no circumstances will DWP be liable for any costs incurred by potential suppliers.