Supported Living Support Services For People With Learning Disabilities Or Mental Health Needs Framework
Framework Description
Durham County Council's Supported Living Support Services Framework is an open framework for support to people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. It has four lots split by need and level of care, and runs to 31 March 2031 with no extension. Bidders can apply for any combination of lots during opening periods, though the council may close it if enough providers are appointed.
Context & Use Case
The council uses the framework to commission supported living packages that help adults live independently in their own homes. Standard and enhanced lots let the council match providers to the complexity of each person's needs. The open structure helps the council add providers where demand rises or capacity is short.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Learning Disability Standard Care Lot 2: Learning Disability Enhanced Care Lot 3: Mental Health Standard Care Lot 4: Mental Health Enhanced Care
Lots
Lot 1 - Learning Disability Standard Care; Lot 2 - Learning Disability Enhanced Care; Lot 3 - Mental Health Standard Care; Lot 4 - Mental Health Enhanced Care
Who Can Apply
Suits appropriately registered supported living providers in learning disability or mental health care. The framework is Live and open, so new providers can usually apply when it is open; check Durham's 'Do business with us' page, as the council may close it once it has enough providers.
Buyer Benefits
The council can source packages quickly from vetted providers, matched to the person's needs. Separate standard and enhanced lots help price and plan complex care properly. Buyers value person-centred support, safe staffing, positive outcomes and stability for people and families.
Next Steps
Check Durham County Council's 'Do business with us' page for the framework documents and whether it is open for applications. Choose your lots by need (learning disability or mental health) and level (standard or enhanced). Prepare registration, safeguarding, staffing and outcome evidence before applying.
How Athena Can Help
Durham's supported living framework can be joined while it is open, so speed matters. Athena's help joining frameworks can complete your application across the lots you choose and run a compliance check. Once on, our bid management support helps you win individual packages with clear, person-centred proposals. Our public sector bid pricing includes hourly rate pricing that is sustainable for standard and enhanced care, and social value commitments that councils now score.
