4 August 2025

Wellbeing charity MindSpace is inviting tenders for Support Groups for Autistic Adults in Stamford and Bourne.

Overview

MindSpace invites tenders from suitably experienced and qualified individuals or organisations to deliver monthly support groups for autistic adults in Stamford and Bourne. The service will focus on enhancing mental wellbeing, increasing self-awareness, and embedding practical strategies for managing the impact of autism on everyday life.

We are seeking a provider that can create a structured, supportive, and accessible environment where autistic adults feel safe, heard, and equipped with tools to manage their wellbeing.

Aims of the Service

· To provide monthly in-person support groups in Stamford and Bourne

· To help autistic adults understand the impact of autism on mental wellbeing

· To explore themes such as anxiety, sensory regulation, self-advocacy, relationships, routines, and resilience

· To embed practical strategies participants can apply in their daily lives

· To reduce isolation and foster peer connection

· To promote access to local support and services

Key Deliverables

· Two monthly groups (one in Stamford, one in Bourne) of 2 hours each

· Delivered by facilitators with appropriate experience in autism and mental health

· Group themes and materials prepared in advance and adaptable to attendees’ needs

· Safe, accessible venues with consideration for sensory-friendly environments

· Basic refreshments and inclusive, welcoming atmosphere

· Clear and appropriate safeguarding procedures

· Optional: lived experience involvement in design or facilitation

Target Audience

Autistic adults (18+) who:

· Live in Stamford, Bourne, or surrounding rural areas

· May be formally diagnosed or self-identify as autistic

· Experience challenges to their mental health linked to their autism

5. Contract Duration & Budget

· Duration: 8 months from start date (with possible extension)

· Estimated value: £3750 (inclusive of staffing, materials, venue hire, travel, and admin)

· Start date: 1st October 2025

Tender Submission Requirements

Interested providers should submit a proposal covering:

1. Organisation Overview

· Brief background, mission, relevant experience

· Details of staff/volunteers who would deliver the service

2. Service Proposal

· How you will structure and deliver the groups

· Example monthly themes or session plan

· How you will ensure accessibility and neurodivergent-friendly practice

3. Experience & Evidence

· Experience working with autistic people and/or delivering group support

· Evidence of positive outcomes or testimonials (where available)

4. Safeguarding & Risk

· Summary of your safeguarding policy

· How you will manage participant safety and wellbeing

5. Budget

· Breakdown of estimated costs (e.g. facilitation, travel, materials)

6. Monitoring & Outcomes

· How you will measure impact (e.g. feedback, wellbeing outcomes, attendance)

· How you will report progress

7. Evaluation Criteria

Criteria Weighting

Relevant experience and skills 25%

Quality of delivery approach 30%

Accessibility and inclusion 20%

Value for money 15%

Monitoring and outcomes 10%

8. Submission Process

· Deadline: Friday 15th August 2025, 5pm ·
Submit proposals to: https://form.jotform.com/252014600116338

· Questions can be directed to: shani@mindspacestamford.com

· Clarifications deadline: 2 days before submission deadline

9. Additional Notes

· We particularly welcome bids from lived experience-led organisations or individuals, local voluntary sector providers, or those already delivering mental health/autism support.

· Joint bids or partnerships will also be considered.

· All activity must be delivered in line with current safeguarding, data protection, and EDI requirements.