3 Lots- Adult Mental Health & LD - Welfare Advice, Rainbow Connectors, Community Advocacy

This notice is to provide information on the engagement already carried out by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, prior to start the procurement in January 2026 for the 3 Lot services;

Lot 1- Rainbow Connectors

Lot 2- Community Advocacy

Lot 3- Welfare Advice

The commissioning team and voluntary sector partnership team already undertook significant engagement, making sure to give all stakeholders and interested parties the opportunity to have their say and to contribute toward service outcomes and service qualities that will underpin future commissioning activities.

The team organised workshops led by expert facilitators held bespoke forums and meetings including meetings with colleagues across the Division who have interests in the services and how they are run as many colleagues will refer citizens into these services.

Timeline: November 2024 – Present

Reach & Participation: 350+ registrations across workshops and focus groups,

1500+ recipients reached via inclusive email outreach

Stakeholders included: lived experience representatives, VCSEs, health/social care partners, carers, and families

A wide range of engagement methods were employed when communicating and meeting with stakeholders, including the following:

• Email communications and written communications

• Verbal communication

• Community Groups

• Co-design workshops

• Webinars

• Targeted focus groups

• Smaller meetings with providers or potential providers

• Professional insight sessions (OT, Psychology, LD, AMH)

• Continuous feedback loops

• Meetings with Divisional colleagues to gain feedback and insight into current service provision and any gaps / opportunities for expansion, diversification or change.

• Visual minutes were prepared for two of the workshops.

Given the delay in our intentions to recommission by way of an Alliance Commissioning Model, we are recommission these 3 Lots on a 1+1+1 basis, to allow us time to reflect, refine our approach, and ensure the model is fit for purpose across our system.