Independent Living Skills App for Young People

“Background Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council's Commissioning Team is exploring the potential development of an Independent Living Skills App for young people living in supported accommodation and those preparing to move into independent living. The concept has evolved from previous work undertaken to develop an Independent Living Skills Workbook. Feedback gathered through engagement with stakeholders indicated a preference for a digital solution, with an app being viewed as a more engaging, accessible and interactive way of supporting young people to develop essential life skills. The proposed app could include content relating to daily living skills, health and wellbeing and tenancy rights and responsibilities and is intended to be a mixed model of engagement through guidance, learning and self-development. The Council is currently undertaking soft market testing to understand the opportunities, constraints and indicative costs associated with developing such a solution before determining any future procurement approach. Purpose of Market Engagement:- The Council wishes to engage with organisations that have experience in app design, development and implementation, particularly those with experience in:

• Youth and children's services

• Housing and supported accommodation services

• Educational and skills development applications

• Public sector and local authority projects

• User-centred and co-produced digital solutions Feedback gathered through these engagement sessions will help inform future decision-making and procurement considerations. The Council has identified a potential funding opportunity to support this work and is undertaking market engagement activity to better understand the feasibility, costs, technical requirements and delivery timescales associated with developing such a solution. Supplier feedback will help inform the Council's assessment of what may be achievable within the funding and implementation timeframe available. Areas for Discussion:- A discussion paper containing further information and specific questions will be circulated to organisations in advance of the engagement sessions, however the Council is seeking feedback in the following areas:

• Potential approaches to app development and delivery

• User engagement and accessibility considerations

• Data protection, cyber security and information governance considerations

• Hosting and technical requirements

• Ongoing maintenance and support arrangements

• Indicative development and implementation timescales”