Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bec-3a98-72c9-acf3-4d1c1c28eee6/contract-for-a-befriending-network Open for bids GB open procedure Suitable for SMEs # Contract for a Befriending Network [Hartlepool Borough Council](https://tendernation.io/buyers/hartlepool-borough-council) Estimated value Not stated Published 6 Oct 2026 Deadline 18 days left 5 Nov 2026 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Buyer says suitable for VCSEs The buyer ticked “suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises” on the notice. - Below-threshold contract Buyers cannot shortlist bidders on suitability before tenders are in, so everyone gets to submit a bid (except some larger works contracts). [Procurement Act 2023, section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/section/85) - Open procedure Anyone can submit a full tender; there is no shortlisting stage. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender Hartlepool Borough Council has previously commissioned a Befriending Network aimed at reducing social isolation of older people within Hartlepool. Following a service review, we are looking to expand this offer to socially excluded working aged people aged 18 + as well as older people. We would like the successful Provider to develop a Befriending Network that will work with people for a specified amount of time to increase confidence and resilience, reduce social isolation and increase social contact by matching people with volunteer Befrienders. ## CPV classification Health and social work services Source Find a Tender (UK) · Notice ocds-h6vhtk-0781fc-2026-10-06T16:11:56+01:00 [View official notice](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/ocds-h6vhtk-0781fc-2026-10-06T16:11:56+01:00) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. [Track tenders free](https://tendernation.io/register) [Buyer profile Hartlepool Borough Council: past awards and live tenders](https://tendernation.io/buyers/hartlepool-borough-council) [Sector More Health and social work tenders](https://tendernation.io/sectors/health-social-work) ## More tenders like this [Independent Critical Friend Service - Select List · Hartlepool Borough Council · 378 days left · 31 Oct 2027](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13e2b-17b7-739f-9b2d-4b9925b93605/independent-critical-friend-service-select-list) [Contract for the provision of 24 hour, short STAY CARE and accommodation for adults with learning disabilities · Hartlepool Borough Council · 8 days left · 26 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13bea-e12d-728c-8dfa-800d99e90c13/contract-for-the-provision-of-24-hour-short-stay-care-and-accommodation-for-adu) [Healthy Child Programme (HCP) Connected Parents · Wigan Council · 25 days left · 13 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13b92-9c2e-713a-b399-dee5fc99ee57/healthy-child-programme-hcp-connected-parents) [Integrated Carers Support and Prevention Service · Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council · 25 days left · 13 Nov 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13b92-608b-7015-a33c-4033734c9017/integrated-carers-support-and-prevention-service) [NEPO603 - Tyne-Tees Independent Foster Care Services (C-012130) - Opening July 2026 · Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council · 13 days left · 31 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13be3-3eca-70d3-9cf7-739b786c70ee/nepo603-tyne-tees-independent-foster-care-services-c-012130-opening-july-2) [Progression Towards Employment · Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council · 12 days left · 30 Oct 2026](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13beb-bdc8-73b1-95ad-a0bb295212d3/progression-towards-employment)