Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Kent County Council
Kent County Council | Sessions House, Maidstone
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
UK
Contact person: Alison Newman
Telephone: +44 3000416375
E-mail: alison.newman@kent.gov.uk
NUTS: UKJ4
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
VCSE Led Mental Health Recovery and Prevention Services
Reference number: CN270176
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85323000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Market Engagement Notice VCSE Led Mental Health Recovery and Prevention Services (currently known as Live Well Kent and Medway) Authority: Kent County Council Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/e/SiajERRCzJ Contact: keri.spring@kent.gov.uk Kent County Council (KCC) is inviting organisations to take part in early market and stakeholder engagement for the future VCSE Led Mental Health Recovery and Prevention Services (currently known as Live Well Kent and Medway). These services aim to aid recovery and prevent relapse, improve health and social care outcomes for individuals with poor mental health and wellbeing, prevent suicide, reduce the stigma of mental illness and reduce or delay the need for additional care and support. Please be advised that this is not a call for competition and should not be perceived as an intention to procure services. The aim of these events is to only gather insights/intelligence, which will be used to inform future service delivery. About the service: The vision for Live Well Kent & Medway is to keep people well and provide a holistic offer of support for individuals living with and without a mental health diagnosis, in line with national and local guidance and protocols. The service supports people with both a Common Mental Illness (CMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to prevent escalation of need and also provide support as part of their recovery journey. The service aims to: •support recovery and prevent relapse •improve emotional wellbeing and daily living •reduce suicide risk •build social connection •reduce or delay the need for higher level support •improve access and equity across Kent and Medway Interest is welcomed from VCSE organisations, mental health and wellbeing providers, community groups, digital providers, and others who can contribute to preventative, community based, recovery focused support, predominantly for people 17+. Engagement events (all virtual): We will be hosting four virtual sessions, each covering the same content. •Virtual Session 1: 21 April 2026 / 13:30 •Virtual Session 2: 22 April 2026 / 9:30 •Virtual Session 3: 23 April 2026 / 13:30 •Virtual Session 4: 24 April 2026 / 9:30 How to register: Interested organisations must complete the Registration Form (link below) by midday (12 noon) 16 April 2026. https://forms.office.com/e/SiajERRCzJ The council may cancel events if there is little or no response on a particular date. Please ensure that you have registered using the link provided. What we’ll cover Each session will include a short overview of the current service and a summary of county level population needs. After this, we will invite participants to share feedback using Mentimeter on the following areas: •vision and future direction •needs and demand •outcomes and what “good” looks like •good practice and innovation •equity and inclusion •workforce and sustainability This will be a chance to hear the current picture and contribute ideas that can help shape a service that meets the needs of communities across Kent and Medway. Important information: This engagement is just an early conversation to help shape our thinking not a call for competition. No commercial decisions have been made yet, and anything we share at this stage may change. If a procurement process is needed later, full details will be published in line with the Health Care Services Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023 (PSR).
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKJ4
Main site or place of performance:
Kent
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Important information: This engagement is just an early conversation to help shape our thinking not a call for competition. No commercial decisions have been made yet, and anything we share at this stage may change. If a procurement process is needed later, full details will be published in line with the Health Care Services Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023 (PSR).
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
10/03/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
No
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
GO Reference: GO-2026310-PRO-35146893
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
10/03/2026