Shropshire Council awards new contract to strengthen adult preventative services
Shropshire Council and Shropshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) are pleased to announce the award of a new Preventative Services Contract for Adults. The contract will be delivered under three themed areas: supported hospital discharge; community-led mental health outreach; and wider services that promote wellbeing and independence. The contract will start on 1 April 2026, and will continue for an initial five-year period.
Collectively, the services delivered through the contract will strengthen community-led support and local assets for adults (18+) within Shropshire. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, the intention is that the services will provide the range of support that residents need to take control of their own health, live independently and improve their wellbeing. In turn, preventative services reduce the chances of health issues escalating to crisis point, reduce demand on statutory services, and address health inequalities.
The awards follow a robust, transparent and competitive tendering and procurement process. Submissions were scored by a panel of officers from both organisations against a rigorous marking scheme, with a particular emphasis on quality, value for money, community involvement, and environmental impact.
These contracts, which form part of a wider strategy to support health and wellbeing for adults across Shropshire, and will deliver targeted support in three key areas:
Supported Hospital Discharge: Helping adults return home safely from hospital, settle in, and access essential support such as transport, shopping, and assistive technology. This service aims to reduce hospital readmissions, support reablement, and promote independence. This aspect of the contract has been awarded to the British Red Cross.
Community-Led Mental Health Outreach: Providing outreach and peer support for adults experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges. The focus is on early intervention, empowering individuals, and reducing the need for more intensive statutory services. This aspect of the contract has been awarded to Shropshire Mental Health Support and Community Resource.
Wellbeing and Independence: Offering befriending, group activities, and volunteer-led support to help adults remain independent, active, and connected within their communities. This includes support for those living with early dementia and respite for informal carers. This aspect of the contract has been awarded to ICE Creates Ltd.
Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said:
“We are delighted to award this contract to British Red Cross, Shropshire Mental Health Support and ICE Creates Ltd, which will make a real difference in the lives of our residents. I know just how important it is for people to be able to live their own lives how they want – whilst knowing they have the help and support they need, when they need it.
“Along with our partners in the ICB, we are committed to supporting adults in Shropshire to live healthier, more independent lives. This new contract will help us deliver on that promise by strengthening community-led support, reducing pressure on our health and care system, and ensuring people have access to the right help at the right time.
“We look forward to working with our partners and providers to make a real difference for residents across the county. This is a major step forward for Shropshire, and I’m excited to see the positive impact these services will have on our community.”
Gemma Smith, Director of Commissioning at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, added:
“This new Preventative Services Contract is a key part of our shared commitment to shifting the focus from reactive care to prevention and early intervention. By investing in community-led support, we can help people stay well, independent and connected for longer, while also reducing avoidable pressure on hospitals and other services.
“Working in close partnership with Shropshire Council and a range of innovative providers allows us to harness a wide range of expertise, address health inequalities, and ensure that support is accessible, person-centred and responsive to the needs of our communities.”
Marcus Bailey, Director for Central England – Health & Care British Red Cross said:
“The British Red Cross is proud to continue its partnership with Shropshire Council and its communities. Over the years, we have delivered high-quality care that has made a tangible difference to people’s lives and helped reduce health inequalities. Building on this strong foundation, we are committed to enhancing and developing the service further, working collaboratively with partners to ensure that every individual receives the best possible support and experiences improved quality of life.”
Clive Ireland, Chair of Shropshire Mental Health Support, added:
“We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract by Shropshire Council, enabling us and our partners at Community Resource to expand vital mental health support across the county. This investment will strengthen our Calmer Cafes, one to one outreach, training programmes and Community Buddy scheme, helping more people access safe spaces, build confidence and improve their wellbeing.”
Stuart Jackson , CEO of ICE Creates Ltd, added:
“In a rural county, access matters. Our partnership with Shropshire Council will put support closer to home through community hubs and flexible delivery. Building confidence, reducing isolation and helping build healthy, resilient communities. We’re excited to bring our person-centred experience, which focuses on ICE’s strengths‑based coaching and co‑design partnership with local people, building a service for Shropshire, with Shropshire.”
Shropshire Council is keen to reassure residents that existing services will continue without interruption, and the Council will be working closely with service providers to ensure a smooth transition with no gaps in provision. The three aspects of the wider contract are designed to broaden the support available and simplify access, whilst encouraging residents to retain their independence. Shropshire Council recognises that residents may have questions regarding upcoming service changes. Guidance on accessing these services will be widely communicated before April 2026.
What happens next?
Working alongside Shropshire Council and with relevant groups and stakeholders, the three new service providers will now begin the mobilisation period to ensure a smooth launch on 1 April 2026. Mobilisation will include: the recruitment, retention, and training of staff and volunteers; the establishment of referral pathways and ways of measuring impact and customer satisfaction; the setting up of local services and outreach networks to make services accessible across Shropshire; and communication and engagement with residents, cares and professionals to explain how to access support.
Contact details and more information
For questions about these new services or how they will operate, please contact The Local Authority Commissioning Team by emailing commissioning@shropshire.gov.uk
For more information about the current breadth of community-based groups and services, please refer to the Community and Family Directory: https://directory.shropshire.gov.uk/
NOTE: The Preventative Services Contract for Adults award does not affect Advice, Advocacy and Welfare Benefits Support (AAWB). The AAWB contract commenced on 1 October 2024 and runs for five years, with further extensions of one-plus-one years. The AAWB contract is held by Citizens Advice Shropshire (lead provider), along with Age UK, Taking Part and A4U. Anyone who has questions around AAWB is advised to contact these providers, though this service is not impacted.
