Purpose

The Improving Strength & Balance for Falls
Prevention programme was created to meet the ambitions for the
Sandwell Council Vision 2030 and Public Health programmes
#StrongerSandwell and #MoveMoreSandwell. With the aim to work in
partnership to increase physical activity levels and opportunities
in the borough as well as to build on Sandwell’s strengths
through local focus.

The programme plan includes a robust referral pathway that supports
residents to access other resources and services including via
Healthy Sandwell (our lifestyle services), mental health &
wellbeing activities, Healthy Ageing UNITY app, clinical reablement
services such as iCARES etc.

Content

1.1 That approval is given to procure and
award a contract to the successful bidder of the Sandwell Improving
Strength and Balance for Falls Prevention Programme aimed at older
adults aged 50 years and above. The programme would start on the
19th July 2024 for a period of 2 years (with the option to extend
for a further 1 year). The service will include delivery of
specialist assessment and physical activity sessions within the
community or at home aimed at improving strength and balance,
improving mobility and to reduce the risk of injurious falls. By
connecting residents to regular activity sessions, the programme
also aims to combat the negative impact of social isolation and
loneliness for this cohort;

1.2 That approval be given to allocate finance under the Public
Health budget, of £80,000 per year (exclusive of VAT). Total
budget would be £240,000 (exclusive of VAT) if the full 2 + 1
years are utilised;

1.3 That the approval be given to enter into and execute, under
seal as may be required, any contracts or ancillary documentation
in relation to the award of contract referred to in recommendation
1.1 above;

1.4 That approval be given to implement necessary variations to the
Contract up to a maximum of 10% of the Contract value, should they
be necessitated;

1.5 That approval from the appropriate officer is sought to
authorise an exemption to rule 8.11 of the Procurement and Contract
Procedure Rules 2022 to allow a contract to be awarded to a
successful tenderer in the event that the required minimum number
of tenders are not received.