What is Social Value?

Social Value is defined as the impact an organisation has on the wellbeing of the community it serves. It goes beyond just financial return on investments and seeks to understand the impact in terms of social return on investment. The Procurement Policy Note 01/21, as outlined and agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive, stipulates that all tenders must allocate a minimum of 10% of the total award amount to Social Value.

The four Social Value themes set forward for meeting the delivery of Social Value across local communities in Northern Ireland are:

• Increasing secure employment and skills
• Building ethical and resilient supply chains
• Delivering zero carbon
• Promoting Well-being

At MindWise, Social Value is linked to everything we do as a mental health charity. It is more than just providing vital services to the communities we support; it encompasses all the positive, lasting changes MindWise brings to individuals and society at large.

Mental health challenges in Northern Ireland are often more severe and prevalent due to a complex history of political conflict, civil unrest, and socio-economic factors, making Social Value particularly critical to everything MindWise does. Northern Ireland is reported to have the highest rates of mental illness across the UK, with psychiatric morbidity being 25% higher than the rest of the UK. For children and young people, the Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey 2020 also reported 25% higher rates of anxiety and depression in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK.

Social Value is a relatively new concept, with bids often scored using a points-based system. This system highlights your organisation's ability to deliver clear, impactful Social Value initiatives, directly influencing the success of tender applications. Common pass/fail benchmarks include improving community and staff wellbeing, supporting workforce development, and reducing inequalities.

How Does MindWise Provide Social Value?

MindWise operates across Northern Ireland to enhance individual wellbeing within local communities. We champion mental health every day through our services that enhance individual and community wellbeing:

Advocacy and Money Advice: Supporting people through our advocacy services and the Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Scheme (NIAAS) for those affected by mental ill health.

Children and Young People: Visiting schools across Northern Ireland to equip and empower children and families in developing their emotional resilience and mental wellbeing.

Daycare and Community Services: Providing opportunities for individuals to partake in social and leisure activities, personal development, and support to access training, education, employment, and community living skills.

Housing Support: Empowering individuals living with mental health issues to live independently through our supported living services, housing support in the community, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Talking Therapies: Providing training and support to organisations and businesses to champion the mental health of their workforce. Offering talking therapies for individuals aged 18 and over in the Greater Lisburn and Dunmurry areas of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT).

Carers and Family Support: Supporting the mental health of carers and family members through emotional, practical, and financial support.

Wise Talking: Our pilot programme that empowers and supports young people aged 11-18 who are struggling with mental health issues.

MindWise Client Engagement: The people we support are central to everything we do. We believe our clients are equal partners who bring and share their lived experiences, ensuring every voice is heard and our clients feel empowered.

The Broader Impact of MindWise’s Work

Enhancing Individual Well-being: The primary social value of a mental health charity lies in its ability to improve the well-being of individuals. By offering counselling, support groups, and crisis intervention, MindWise helps people manage mental health conditions, leading to improved quality of life. We advocate and campaign for better mental health support and provision, such as our 'Petition - Wise Up! Fund Children and Young People's Mental Health Services'. We seek to enable individuals to live fuller, more productive lives, reducing the personal and social costs of mental illness. This enhancement of individual well-being translates into a stronger, healthier community.

Reducing Stigma and Raising Awareness: A key aspect of our social value is reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Through education and advocacy, MindWise champions a more accepting and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health challenges. This shift in societal attitudes is crucial in Northern Ireland, where cultural stigmas around mental health can prevent people from seeking help. By promoting understanding and empathy, MindWise contributes to a more inclusive and fair society. We have previously held the Secretariat for the All-Party Group on Mental Health at the Northern Ireland Assembly, regularly engaging with public officials on mental health issues.

Strengthening Community Resilience: MindWise strengthens individuals and families by building resilience within local communities. As a founding member of Mental Health UK, we advocate, empower, and champion mental health across the UK. Our efforts in fostering mental wellness contribute to a more cohesive, resilient society capable of facing future challenges together.

Economic Benefits: The social value MindWise provides can also be seen in economic terms. By improving mental health outcomes, we help reduce the burden on the National Health Service. Healthier individuals who are empowered to look after their wellbeing are more likely to engage in employment, education, and community activities. This helps MindWise meet its social value obligations by lessening the economic impact of mental health issues.

How Can MindWise Help Your Business Evidence Social Value?

At MindWise, we have extensive experience in navigating the public sector procurement process. We've partnered with various organisations to highlight Theme 4: Promoting Well-being.

If you're in the private sector and looking to secure contracts with public sector organisations, it's now required to demonstrate your Social Value commitments. While tenders for work in the private sector are not scored through a points-based system, this is your chance to shine. By showcasing your impactful Social Value initiatives, you can make a real difference and stand out in the tendering process.

For more information and a social value consultation contact Fionnuala McKenna at Fionnuala.McKenna@mindwisenv.org or 07803846437. You can review our profile on the broker register at SocialValueni.org.