HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales

Descriptions

The Welsh Government's Programme for Government set out ambitious commitments to both develop an HIV Action Plan for Wales and tackle the stigma experienced by those living with HIV. In March 2023, the HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026 was published and contains 30 actions aimed at eliminating HIV transmission within Wales and achieving zero tolerance of HIV-related stigma by 2030. Supporting people to live well with HIV is a key priority and the HIV Action Plan for Wales contains the following commitment:

A national peer support programme for Wales will be commissioned by Welsh Government, following the now concluded research work carried out by Cardiff University into the potential principles and structures of such a programme. This peer support network will provide support to all those living with HIV that require it.

A recent report on 'Living well with HIV in Wales' (https://nat.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HIV-Outcomes-Living-Well-With-HIV-in-Wales.pdf), produced by HIV Outcomes UK and Fast Track Cymru analysed the Welsh Government's progress in delivering the 'Living well with HIV' priority within the HIV Action Plan and the challenges that Welsh communities living with HIV face. The report findings in relation to peer support are set out below:

• While there are welcome commitments in the HIV Action Plan to commission peer support services this is yet to come to fruition.

• Currently, the vast majority of people in Wales living with HIV are only able to access support online.

• The lack of community-based peer support in Wales has a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.

• To support communities to live well with HIV, Welsh Government must ensure that services meet BHIVA Standards of Care for Living with HIV. These standards state that everyone living with HIV should have access to peer support.

• The lack of peer support affects the whole Welsh population living with HIV but is particularly pronounced in rural communities.

• Peer support can play a key role in addressing challenges which older people living with HIV may be more likely to experience, such as loneliness and isolation. Having peer support provision in clinics with someone who is trained appropriately, including on social prescribing and coaching, would support care coordination and person-centred care among older people.

• The Welsh Government should ensure that services are culturally competent and designed to meet the intersecting needs of different communities living with HIV.

The Welsh Government wishes to tender for the provision of a national Peer Support Programme for those living with HIV in Wales, with an initial two-year contract to commence from 02 February 2026.

This tender requirement has been guided by the research commissioned from Cardiff University (Planning a new peer support service for people living with HIV in Wales: The first steps - News - Cardiff University (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2687395-planning-a-new-peer-support-service-for-people-living-with-hiv-in-wales-the-first-steps).

Bidders are invited to submit Bids to be awarded the Contract for HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales. The Welsh Government is using eTenderwales https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk- Please log into eTenderwales to access the tender documents and submit your tender responses (see Special instructions below).

ITT responses must be uploaded to the eTenderwales BravoSolution portal by 2pm on 24/11/25 How To Find The ITT:- Once logged in you must click on 'PQQs/ITT's Open to all Suppliers'- The e-tender references for this contract are: project_6104, itt_120980 - HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales C072/2025/2026.