A new contractual framework for procuring day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism in Cambridgeshire has been approved by the county council's Adults and Health Committee at its meeting today (Thursday 15 October), following extensive co-production with people who draw on care and support, their families, carers and providers.
Day opportunities are designed to support people to develop skills, build friendships, access education, volunteering and work-related activities, pursue hobbies and interests, and take part in community life. They can also provide specialist support and valuable respite for unpaid carers.
The new framework has been developed to ensure day opportunities continue to meet the needs and aspirations of residents, while reflecting the council's ambition to enable people to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives and to be active members of their communities.
The framework, which is valued at £64m over the maximum eight-year term, will replace the current arrangement and introduce a more flexible, outcomes-focused approach. Rather than focusing primarily on purchasing individual places within services, it will place greater emphasis on helping people achieve the goals that matter most to them.
It will also encourage a broader range of support, helping providers develop innovative and personalised opportunities that reflect individual needs and preferences. The framework is expected to be re-opened annually, making it easier for new providers to join and increasing choice for residents and families.
The new approach has been shaped through a significant co-production programme involving more than 500 people, including those with lived experience, family members, carers, providers and professionals.
Through workshops, surveys, conversations and engagement events, people shared what they value most from day opportunities and what they would like to see in future services. A consistent message emerged that people wanted support to live meaningful lives, make their own choices, build relationships, pursue personal interests and be part of their communities.
The feedback identified six key priorities: learning and development, work and purpose, hobbies and interests, community participation, relationships and social connections, and greater choice and flexibility. These priorities have been embedded into the design of the new framework.
Councillor Graham Wilson, Chair of the Adults and Health Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
"This framework has been shaped by the people who know these services best: the people who use them, their families, carers and providers.
"We heard clearly that people want opportunities to develop skills, build relationships, pursue interests and play an active role in their communities. They want support that is flexible, personalised and focused on what matters most to them.
"The new framework responds directly to that feedback and will help create more choice and opportunities for residents across the county.
"This supports our vision for a healthy, fair and sustainable Cambridgeshire and our ambition to enable full and healthy lives for all, while supporting people to live independently. I would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, experience and insight to helping shape this important work."
The council will now move forward with market engagement and procurement activity ahead of the new framework being introduced in 2027. The council will continue working closely with people who draw on care and support, families, carers and providers throughout the process to ensure their voices remain central to the future of day opportunities in Cambridgeshire.
Notes to editors
- Around 826 people currently access day opportunities in Cambridgeshire.
- The framework will support adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, and may also be used for some people with acquired brain injuries.
