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THIS IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION. THIS IS A MARKET ENGAGEMENT.
Shropshire Council is currently reviewing its future approach to universal mental health prevention and early-help support. As one part of this review, the Council wishes to understand the range of digital mental health prevention and emotional wellbeing models currently available, their evidence base, accessibility, affordability and potential applicability to Shropshire.
This engagement does not indicate that the Council has decided to recommission a digital service. Findings will inform a wider options appraisal alongside local needs evidence, review of current provision, stakeholder engagement and consideration of alternative approaches.
The overarching aim is to ensure that residents with low-level mental health or emerging wellbeing needs can access timely, appropriate support that helps prevent escalation into more complex need and reduces avoidable demand on statutory services. Digital support is being considered as part of a wider suite of accessible offers that may include social prescribing, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) provision and community-based support. Any future model will need to take account of Shropshire’s rurality and the diverse needs, preferences and circumstances of local residents, alongside local system priorities, strategies and policies.
Strategic context
Mental health and wellbeing are central to quality of life, resilience and the ability to participate in education, work, family life and communities. Good mental wellbeing is also protective against physical illness, social inequalities and unhealthy lifestyles.
Demand for mental health support has increased significantly, particularly among children and young people, many of whom experience long waits for care. Nationally, around one in five people are affected by a common mental health condition, and a substantial proportion of mental health problems are established by early adulthood (age 24).
This reinforces the importance of prevention and early intervention. Providing timely support for people with low-level mental health needs can help people manage distress earlier, maintain independence and stay connected to education, work, family life and their communities.
The emerging national direction for mental health in England also places greater emphasis on shifting from crisis-led care towards prevention, delivering support at place and within communities, and embracing the opportunities offered by digital innovation. The future offer in Shropshire should therefore support earlier, proportionate and accessible help, while complementing wider local mental health, wellbeing and community support pathways.
Current service context
Shropshire Council currently commissions a digital mental health and emotional wellbeing offer for residents aged 16+, providing anonymous online access to moderated peer support, self-management resources and learning tools. The current arrangement provides a limited number of licenses annually.
The Council is not necessarily seeking a like-for-like replacement through this engagement and is interested in understanding alternative digital models, approaches and innovations that could achieve preventative and early-help outcomes.
The Council is interested in understanding features that;
Are accessible without diagnosis or clinical referral
Supports people experiencing emerging mental ill health or reduced emotional wellbeing
Encourages self-management and early-help
Provides safe onward escalation where necessary
Is accessible across a large rural geography
Can reach groups that may not engage with traditional services
Is capable of generating meaningful information about reach, utilisation and outcomes to support review of impact and best value discussions
