Decision details

The current contract with Xenzone, for delivery of on-line counselling support services for Oldham’s young people, expires on 31st March 2019. This report seeks approval to fund the service going forward for one more year in accordance with the provisions in the original contract which commenced in 2015 and then to re-procure the activity via a full procurement exercise.

RESOLVED - That: authorise an extension to the current contract covering the financial year 2019/20
Oldham’s objective to see the Borough as a ‘place where children and young people thrive’ is supported by having a range of support for young people around their emotional wellbeing and mental health. There is a continued need for this type of lower level support.

Option 1 – cease commissioning of on-line mental health support services for children and young people following contract expiry on 31st March 2019.
Monitoring received from the current provider evidences that there is a continued need for this type of lower level support for Oldham’s young people. The fact that young people are actively involved in contract management ensures that the provider is responsive to local need. Rising demand for higher level support highlights the importance of preventative approaches. This option is therefore not thought to be viable at this time..
Option 2 - authorise an extension to the current contract covering the financial year 2019/20
Oldham’s objective to see the Borough as a ‘place where children and young people thrive’ is supported by having a range of support for young people around their emotional wellbeing and mental health. There is a continued need for this type of lower level support.

Option 1 – cease commissioning of on-line mental health support services for children and young people following contract expiry on 31st March 2019.
Monitoring received from the current provider evidences that there is a continued need for this type of lower level support for Oldham’s young people. The fact that young people are actively involved in contract management ensures that the provider is responsive to local need. Rising demand for higher level support highlights the importance of preventative approaches. This option is therefore not thought to be viable at this time..

As the service is anonymous and confidential, it is not possible to consult with individual service users to ascertain their views on the service continuing. The most recent monitoring from the current provider reports that 93% of young people would recommend the service to a friend.
We also know and acknowledge that young people choose to use the on-line service because it is anonymous and provides them an opportunity to speak to counsellors and seek support without having to do so face to face.
The Youth Council see the emotional and mental health needs of young people as a key priority.