BwD Information and Advice Service

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is looking to procure for an All-Age Carers Service and an Information and Advice Service, as part of its Happy Healthy and Well (prevention) offer, and is holding an in-person pre-market engagement event on Thursday 19 March 2026. The event aims to develop a clearer understanding of the market and gather insight into supplier capabilities, innovations, and delivery models for the provision of support services in Blackburn with Darwen. The sessions will also support providers in understanding procurement requirements, social value commitments, and will help inform the development of value-driven service specifications. The engagement event will cover both of the following separate service areas: > ALL AGE CARERS SERVICE - Commission 1 (The Chest ref no: DN807429) > INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE - Commission 2 (This commission; The Chest ref no: DN807446): Both commissions are distinct and will operate independently. However, providers will be expected to demonstrate strong connectivity with the borough’s VCFSE and health networks, in order to complement and strengthen the wider VCFSE infrastructure. The market engagement event will cover both commissions. BACKGROUND All Age Carers Service: The aim of this service is to provide a comprehensive offer of support - including groups, activities, guidance and interventions - to those who have caring responsibilities for someone in Blackburn with Darwen. This will be available to carers of all ages, including young carers (5-15 years); young adult carer (16-18 years), and adult carers (18+ years). Information and Advice Service: The aim of this service is to support residents to identify services, groups, and support offers that enable them to maintain their independence. It will support the Council’s strengths-based approach and form a core element of the local prevention offer, supporting individuals to build on their own capabilities and reducing on reliance on statutory services. MEETING INFORMATION The pre-market engagement event, which will cover both commissions, will be held in-person on: Thursday 19 March 2026, at: Livesey Family Hub Andrew Close Blackburn BB2 4NU The event will run from 10:00 - 12:00. REGISTRATION If you would like to attend the pre-market engagement meeting, please complete the below Microsoft Form to register yourself for the event: https://forms.office.com/e/nimp6mNVhW Each attendee who wishes to attend should register individually. Due to capacity, a maximum of 2 people per organisation may attend. Registration closes at 12:00 noon on Wednesday 18th March 2026.