The Senior Public Health Manager presented the report of the Director of Public Health which sought agreement from the Committee to progress proposed commissioning intentions for Community Connector Service, Connect Us, and set out the requirement for the current Community Connector service to be recommissioned from February 2025. The service was experiencing increased demand, and supported residents and communities with a wide range of complex issues which followed the pandemic and also in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Members requested further information around outcomes and it was agreed that this would be provided.

Members discussed the work of the Community Connectors. It was agreed that information was to be given to Members about the future programme of work that the Community Connectors were working on. It was noted that the original programme of work was in East Wirral and not as much work had been done in West Wirral and this was to be looked at. Further work was agreed in rural areas around isolation as well as isolation in relation to mental health.

Resolved that:

1. The Director of Public Health be authorised to re-commission the Community Connector service totalling up to £4,308,654 (£718,109 per annum) or a four-year contract (1st February 2025 – 31st January 2029) with the option of a one year plus further one year extension.

2. Delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health to award the tender to the successful bidder following the tender process