Decision details

The decision to procure a service for young carers and young adult carers in Bristol was made to ensure Bristol City Council continues to meet its statutory duties to young carers and young adult carers. The initial term length is to allow for potential closer alignment with Targeted Youth Services when those three contracts end in May 2023.

To procure a service for young carers and young adult carers in Bristol, to meet the local authority’s statutory duties to undertake needs assessments and transitions assessments. In addition, the service will provide activities, advice and guidance to young carers, raise awareness of young carers across health, education and care organisations in Bristol, and ensure young carers’ voices are heard at a strategic level in Bristol. Initial term is 16 months (1 Feb 2022 – 31 May 2023), with options for 2 x 1-year extensions

Consideration was made of jointly commissioning this service with adult social care, to create an all-ages carers service, which would align with the All-Ages Carers Strategy currently being produced. Due to the different timescales involved for the two respective contracts, and the potential closer alignment between Young Carers and Targeted Youth Services, it was decided to commission the two services separately. However, work will continue to create a joined-up pathway for young carers turning 18.