Planning

Short Breaks 2026-2029

NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

25 Feb 2026 at 15:02

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services, hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, is embarking on a procurement process for a programme titled "Short Breaks 2026-2029" under the planning stage. This initiative, focusing on social work and related services, is aiming to enhance its operations within the region of Cardiff, UKL22, United Kingdom. A preliminary market engagement notice has been announced, with interested parties expected to express their interest by 4th March 2026. Shortly after, a further notice will be issued on 9th March 2026. The procurement process is above a financial threshold, valuing the services at £150,000 excluding VAT and £180,000 inclusive of VAT, set to commence on 4th May 2026 and conclude on 3rd September 2029.

This tender presents a potential avenue for third-sector organisations with established links to unpaid carers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) to bolster their operations and expand their service offerings in the region. The project envisages utilising a facilitator to bridge the needs of unpaid carers with existing opportunities for short breaks, and to administer small grants directly to carers. Additionally, funding will be allocated for the development of services such as peer-support groups, where businesses can innovate and engage with local communities to provide tailored, supportive frameworks. This tender is particularly suited for organisations adept at navigating social work services and showcasing community-driven and collaborative initiatives.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Short Breaks 2026-2029

Notice Description

Over the past 3 years we have used a third sector organisation to facilitate grants, whilst this has been successful in reaching many groups and unpaid carers, the governance and links to statutory services has been limited and caused a number of challenges. Therefore, a new model for the next 3 years is suggested: Utilise a third sector organisation with established links to unpaid carers to fund: 1. This element should be viewed as a single component with 2 parts: a) A Short Breaks Community facilitator (approx. PS40k) to understand the range of services and groups available, including UK, Wales wide and local schemes. They will provide a 'what matters' type conversation and be able to link the unpaid carer to existing short break opportunities as well as facilitate small grants/short breaks directly for unpaid carers where appropriate through the conversation. The process for this will need to be developed in collaboration with the unpaid carer Information Advice and Assistance services (in both Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan). b) To enable the Short Breaks Community facilitator to meet those with the most significant need there will be funding for direct short breaks for unpaid carers through the Short Breaks facilitator (approx. PS20k)- this may be to pay for a hotel break, activities, experiences, a hobby or an item which would be deemed a 'break' (not household). This may also be to fill an identified gap or need in a local community, for example 10 people in an area need a peer support group so the facilitator will work with other local groups to establish one and may cover associated revenue costs. 2. Funding for 3rd sector grants (approx. PS80k) to support the third sector to deliver a variety of offers for unpaid carer in relation to Short Breaks, including but not limited to regular peer-support groups. The funded organisations should work in coordination with the Short Breaks facilitator so there is a variety of offers and so the facilitator can identify where there are gaps in the funded 3rd sector provision and provided offers to fill those gaps.

Planning Information

This is an engagement notice only, there is no action to be taken. Please select noted interest.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065c44
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/016980-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Mar 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 May 2026 - 3 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS WALES SHARED SERVICES PARTNERSHIP-PROCUREMENT SERVICES (HOSTED BY VELINDRE UNIVERSITY NHS TRUST)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF14 4HH
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Heath
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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