Integrated Young People's Substance Misuse and Sexual Health Service

The London Borough of Lewisham is seeking to commission an integrated Substance Misuse and Sexual Health Service for children and young people aged 10-25. The Service will deliver information, advice and early, preventative interventions relating to substance misuse and sexual and reproductive health, including brief educational and psychosocial support. Where needs are identified, the Service will also provide specialist, structured treatment and case management for substance misuse, alongside supported access to relevant clinical and specialist provision across both substance misuse and sexual health pathways.

The Council's vision is for a modern, flexible and outcome‑focused service that is young‑person‑centred, works with young people as and where they are, and intervenes early to prevent and reduce harm associated with substance misuse and risky sexual behaviour.

The service will include, but is not limited to:

• Brief information, advice and early interventions for substance misuse, including education, harm reduction and motivational approaches.
• Brief information, advice and early interventions for sexual and reproductive health, including C‑Card provision, STI screening (including distribution of test kits and supported self‑testing), and support to reduce risky sexual behaviour and promote healthy relationships.
• Persistent and assertive engagement with young people who are at risk of, or affected by, substance misuse and/or risky sexual behaviour, delivered in locations where young people are already based, including community, education and partner settings.
• Longer‑term, structured support and case management for substance misuse, where needs are identified, including holistic assessment, personalised care planning and ongoing review.
• A highly visible and youth‑friendly digital offer, including a website and social media presence, with instant messaging functions and accessible health promotion and harm‑reduction resources.
• Supported access to specialist and clinical sexual and reproductive health services, and clear pathways into structured substance misuse treatment where more intensive or specialist support is required.
• Delivery of the C‑Card / Come Correct Scheme as an integrated part of the service, ensuring accessible condom distribution, brief sexual health advice and STI testing, robust safeguarding, targeted outreach to higher‑risk young people, clear referral pathways into specialist services, and accurate monitoring and reporting in line with agreed data and governance requirements.