Early Help for Adults Navigator Service

Manchester City Council is undertaking pre-procurement market engagement for the delivery of a city-wide Early Help for Adults Navigator Service, supporting adults experiencing multiple disadvantage across Manchester.

The proposed service will provide intensive, strengths-based and trauma-informed support to adults facing complex and interconnected challenges, including housing instability, mental health needs, substance misuse, domestic abuse, social care needs and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Through dedicated Navigator workers, the service will help individuals access appropriate support, build resilience, improve independence and achieve sustainable long-term outcomes. The successful provider will work collaboratively with Adult Social Care, health partners, housing organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations, and people with lived experience to deliver a coordinated, person-centred and preventative service.

Building on the current model, the Council aims to strengthen neighbourhood-based support while promoting wider system change and reducing inequalities across Manchester.

Contract Information

Buyer: Manchester City Council

Deadline: Market engagement closes 28 July 2026

Contract Value: £3,435,236 excluding VAT (£4,122,283 including VAT)

Delivery Length: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2031

Tender Link: Click here

Service Overview

The proposed Early Help for Adults Navigator Service will:

• Provide intensive, relationship-based support for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage.
• Deliver strengths-based and trauma-informed interventions.
• Support people experiencing housing instability, mental health needs, substance misuse, domestic abuse, social care needs and contact with the criminal justice system.
• Help individuals access appropriate services, strengthen resilience and improve independence.
• Promote prevention and early intervention through person-centred support.
• Work collaboratively across Adult Social Care, health, housing and voluntary sector partners to improve outcomes and support system-wide change.

The service will continue to reflect Manchester’s Our Manchester approach by supporting residents to build on their strengths, connect with local communities and develop sustainable support networks.

Procurement Information

This notice relates to pre-procurement market engagement under the Light Touch Regime.

Manchester City Council is inviting interested providers to review the draft service specification and submit feedback to help inform the final procurement.

The opportunity has been identified as being suitable for:

• Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)

The Council currently expects the formal tender notice to be published on 18 August 2026.

The proposed service represents continued investment in preventative, person-centred support for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage, with a focus on improving long-term outcomes through coordinated partnership working across Manchester.

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