Public Health contract awarded to deliver services for children, young people, adults and families

09 January 2025

North Northamptonshire Public Health team has led a rigorous commissioning process to identify the best providers to deliver Public Health services for children, young people, and families and an integrated, all-age sexual health service.

Following consultation with the public and key stakeholders, North Northamptonshire Council’s Public Health team developed three new service models tailored to local needs in North Northamptonshire.

Of particular importance was that the new provider demonstrated that they could deliver innovative services which specifically met the needs of North Northamptonshire's residents, take tangible actions to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce health inequality.

The contract has been awarded and the new services will increase access, improve early intervention and support, and ensure services are inclusive, community-led, and aligned with national guidance and local health priorities.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) will provide these services following a formal procurement process.

The three services are:

Best Start in Life service for children aged 0 to 11 and their families. The service will fully integrate with the Family Hubs, ensuring effective interventions to support children and their families through pregnancy and throughout primary school. The service will build on strong working relationships with early years provision and schools.
Thriving in Life Service for children and young people aged 11 to 19. North Northamptonshire Public Health team developed a service dedicated to young people, and NHFT will deliver the service in partnership with the Reach Collaborative Reach Collaborative. The service will also work with other local partners to ensure that young people can access the services they need promptly and in a place that suits them as individuals.
An all-age Integrated Sexual Health Service which will provide a full range of sexual health prevention, treatment and contraception services for people in North Northamptonshire. The new provision will enhance the current hub and bespoke model of provision and increase outreach services for those who may experience barriers in attending clinic settings.

I'm pleased that the new and innovative services will focus on the needs of the people in North Northamptonshire, to support them to make informed choices about their lives, that will help to improve their health and well-being and thus enable them to live healthy and productive lives.Councillor Gill Mercer, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing

Our vision for North Northamptonshire has always been, and continues to be, a place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life.

Part of that vision is for actively helping each and every one of our residents to reach their full potential by offering the opportunity to live healthier, more active, independent and fulfilled lives.

The chosen new provider demonstrated that they could deliver innovative services that specifically meet the needs of North Northamptonshire's residents, take tangible actions to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.

I look forward to watching these services grow and develop and benefitting our residents health and wellbeing.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

North Northamptonshire Council will work in partnership with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Family Hubs and the REACH collaborative to ensure the services meet the needs of the local population.

The REACH Collaborative consists of five agencies who offer free, professional, and confidential counselling for young people aged between five and 25 across North and West Northamptonshire. It is funded by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Public Health. The collaborative also provides additional support services, including drop-in sessions available Monday to Saturday and dedicated LGBTQI+ groups.

Further information will be provided during the implementation phase of the services in the Spring of 2025.