Derbyshire County Council Awards Social Connection Services Across Three Regional Lots

Derbyshire County Council has awarded contracts for the delivery of its new Social Connection Service, aimed at reducing loneliness, improving wellbeing and strengthening community resilience across the county.

The service will provide prevention-focused social connection initiatives for Derbyshire residents, excluding those living in Derby City, helping people make greater use of community assets while supporting healthier and more connected communities.

Procured under the Light Touch Regime of the Procurement Act 2023, the contract is divided into three geographical lots covering different areas of the county.

The new service will commence on 1 November 2026 and run for an initial two-year period until 31 October 2028, with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

Providers Appointed

Lot 1 – North East Social Connection Service

Covering Bolsover, Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, this lot has been awarded to Rethink Trading Ltd.

The contract is valued at £588,416.40 including VAT and has a maximum budget of approximately £490,569.28 over the full three-year term.

Lot 2 – North West Social Connection Service

Covering High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, this lot has been awarded to Citizens Advice Mid Mercia.

The contract is valued at £305,316.82 including VAT.

Lot 3 – South Social Connection Service

Covering Erewash, Amber Valley and South Derbyshire, this lot has also been awarded to Rethink Trading Ltd.

The contract is valued at £539,606.40 including VAT.

Supporting Community Wellbeing

The Social Connection Service is intended to tackle loneliness and social isolation through community-based support and preventative interventions. The programme will focus on improving wellbeing, strengthening local networks and helping residents access opportunities within their communities.

A mobilisation period will run from 12 June 2026 to 31 October 2026 ahead of service commencement.

Strong Competition Across All Lots

The procurement attracted significant market interest, with a total of 31 tenders assessed across the three lots.

Contract Details

Contracting Authority: Derbyshire County Council

Contract Title: CPH130 Social Connection Service

Award Date: 2 June 2026

Contract Period: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2028

Extension Option: Up to 31 October 2029

Procedure: Competitive Flexible Procedure (Light Touch Regime)

CPV Code: 85000000 – Health and social work services

Successful Providers: Rethink Trading Ltd (Lots 1 and 3); Citizens Advice Mid Mercia (Lot 2)

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