MH&A Peer Support Specialists in Whangārei Hospital Emergency Department & Crisis Recovery Cafes in Whangārei and Mid-North

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) invites proposals from suitably qualified providers to deliver peer-led mental health and addiction crisis support services in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). This procurement supports the Government's investment in expanding Peer Support Specialists in Emergency Departments (PSS-ED) and establishing community-based Crisis Recovery Cafés. These services aim to improve outcomes for people experiencing mental health and addiction-related distress by providing timely, recovery-focused, peer-led support that complements existing hospital and community services. Health NZ is seeking providers for up to three service lots: Lot 1: Peer Support Specialists in the Emergency Department at Whangārei Hospital. Lot 2: Community-based Crisis Recovery Café services in Whangārei. Lot 3: Community-based Crisis Recovery Café services in the Mid North. Respondents may submit proposals for one, two or all three service lots. Each proposal will be evaluated independently, and Health NZ may award contracts to one provider or multiple providers where this represents the best overall public value and service outcomes. Successful providers will establish and deliver high-quality peer support services that are grounded in lived experience, culturally responsive, and well integrated with local hospital, specialist mental health and addiction, primary care and community services. Services are expected to strengthen recovery pathways, reduce avoidable emergency department presentations, improve access to community-based support, and enhance outcomes for tāngata whaiora and their whānau. This is an open competitive Request for Proposal (RFP). A weighted attribute evaluation methodology will be used, with a two-envelope process whereby price will be assessed separately from quality. Respondents must demonstrate their ability to deliver the required services within the published funding allocation.