R/WP – 26/27 – Adult MH – Crisis Alternative (Safe Haven) Oxfordshire

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a provider to deliver a non-clinical mental health crisis alternative service in Oxfordshire, with an estimated contract value of £5.6 million excluding VAT.

The Safe Haven service will form part of the local Urgent Care Pathway, providing an alternative response for people experiencing acute psychological distress or a mental health crisis. The procurement reflects NHS ambitions to strengthen neighbourhood-based services and provide alternatives to hospital-centred crisis responses.

Service Requirements

The service will operate as a non-clinical crisis alternative, supporting people experiencing acute psychological distress or an acute mental health problem, whether or not they have received a formal mental health diagnosis.

Delivery will be aligned with national NHS mental health priorities, including the NHS Long Term Plan for Mental Health, Fit for the Future: The 10-Year Health Plan for England and the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27 to 2028/29.

The service is expected to contribute to greater integration across health and social care while strengthening community-based alternatives to hospital crisis provision.

Providers should review the full service specification available through the procurement portal for the complete operational requirements.

Contract Information

Buyer: Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Deadline: 19 October 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £5,600,000 excluding VAT

Delivery Length: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032, with an optional three-year extension to 31 March 2035 – maximum 8 years

Tender Link: Click here

The deadline for supplier enquiries is 28 September 2026 at 12:00pm, with an estimated award decision date of 14 December 2026.

The opportunity is being procured through an open procedure and is identified as particularly suitable for SMEs and VCSEs.

Suppliers must register and express their interest through the Atamis e-Sourcing Portal to participate in the procurement.

Evaluation Criteria

Tender submissions will be evaluated on:

• Quality and Innovation – 70%
• Cost of Services – 20%
• Social Value – 10%

The quality and innovation assessment will consider providers’ experience and innovation in delivering services.

The cost assessment covers frontline staffing, back-office and management costs, together with the stated contribution to SGA.

Social value accounts for the remaining 10% of the overall evaluation.

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

Specific regulatory registrations, professional accreditations, workforce qualifications and insurance requirements are not disclosed in the information provided.

Prospective providers should review the complete tender documentation for applicable safeguarding, information governance, workforce, clinical interface and other compliance requirements associated with delivering the service.

This procurement represents a substantial opportunity for organisations experienced in community mental health and non-clinical crisis support. The successful provider will form part of Oxfordshire’s wider urgent care pathway, delivering an alternative setting for people experiencing mental health crisis and psychological distress.

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