Issue details

Proposed decision:Procure and award new contracts for new Suicide Prevention Services  from 1 April 2027.

Reason for the decision

National Suicide Prevention Strategy for England (2023–2028)specifies that Local Authorities, through their Public Health teams, are expected to lead multi-agency suicide prevention partnerships, develop local suicide prevention strategies, and coordinate delivery across the system. Therefore, Kent County Council (KCC) leads the suicide prevention programme, including commissioning services, even though the funding originates from NHS budgets.

Existing Suicide Prevention Services are due to end on 31 March 2027. New contracts are required to be competitively procured to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality suicide prevention and bereavement support services from 1 April 2027. This is an Executive Member Key Decision as services are delivered across Kent and Medway (more than 2 electoral divisions) and it supports the delivery of aims within the Kent and Medway Suicide & Self-Harm Prevention Strategy 2026-2030.

Background

The Suicide & Self-Harm prevention strategy for 2026-2030 was published in January 2026 (25/00105). To support delivery of the strategy the council commissions suicide prevention services across Kent and Medway which have an end date of 31 March 2027:

• Amparo (Contract SC20060), delivering specialist support to individuals who have been bereaved by suicide.
• Mid Kent MIND (Contract SC21041), delivering Suicide Prevention Training.

A comprehensive programme of activity has underpinned the development of the new Suicide Prevention Services, required to be in place by 1 April 2027 to replace existing provision.

New contracts, proposed to be procured and awarded, include:

·         Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support Service (CN260672) to deliver timely, accessible, and high-quality support is available to those affected by suicide, helping to mitigate the longer-term emotional, social and health impacts of bereavement. This service will offer free support to up to 250 individuals across Kent and Medway including:

·         Suicide Prevention Training Workshops (CN260673) to empower individuals with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to recognise warning signs of suicidal ideation, intervene effectively, and signpost individuals to appropriate local support. This service will provide free training to a minimum of 1700 people per year across Kent and Medway delivered both face to face and virtually.

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Four options have been considered for the future of Suicide Prevention Services in Kent and Medway as the current contracts approach expiry on 31 March 2027, with Option 3 being preferred;

Option 1: Do nothing - allow the existing suicide prevention services in Kent and Medway to come to an end 31 March 2027. This option is not recommended, as it would leave bereaved individuals without access to essential support, risk higher long-term costs and contradict national and local strategic priorities.

Option 2: Extend current suicide prevention services in Kent and Medway. This option is not preferred at this time. While this would maintain continuity, it may limit opportunities for innovation, market testing, and securing longer-term value for money.

Option 3:  Recommission suicide prevention services in Kent and Medway via open procurement. This is the preferred option. Recommissioning the services through a competitive procurement process will ensure transparency, allow for market engagement, and support the identification of the most suitable provider. This approach enables service improvement, innovation, and alignment with the NHS Long Term Plan and the Kent & Medway Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy 2026–2030, while supporting continuity and minimising disruption through robust mobilisation and transition arrangements.

Option 4: Bring suicide prevention services in Kent and Medway service in-house. This option is not preferred due to potential service disruption and lack of specialist expertise; may be revisited in future commissioning cycles.

How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement

The recommissioning of Suicide Prevention Services supports delivery of Kent County Council’s Reforming Kent strategic priorities by contributing to improved health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and strengthening preventative approaches across the system.

Financial Implications

The total value of the new services, including all extension options, is £940,000 over a maximum five-year period, comprising:

• Specialist Suicide Bereavement Support Service (CN260672): £130,000 per annum (up to £650,000 over five years)

·         Suicide Prevention Training Workshops (CN260673): £58,000 per annum (up to £290,000 over five years)

KCC leads the suicide prevention programme as the Public Health authority, with funding provided by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) under an existing Memorandum of Understanding.

While formal funding confirmation from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) is pending, it is anticipated that this will be in place by the end of Summer 2026. Procurement activity will not commence until funding is secured.

It is important to note that delaying the Key Decision until ICB funding is confirmed would mean the next available opportunity to bring this to Cabinet Committee is 22 September 2026, due to the summer recess. This would not allow sufficient time to undertake procurement, contract award, and the required mobilisation period (approximately four months) ahead of the planned go-live date for services of 1 April 2027. Such delays would risk service disruption and loss of continuity for service users. By progressing governance and decision-making now, the council can ensure timely recommissioning and a smooth transition to new contracts, while maintaining robust financial assurance by only proceeding to contract award and mobilisation once funding is formally secured.