Manchester City Council is undertaking market engagement to inform the future commissioning of a specialist Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) safe accommodation and support service for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
Manchester City Council is seeking to engage with existing and potential providers with experience in domestic abuse support, safe accommodation, housing related support and/or specialist LGBTQ+ services. This engagement will help shape our emerging commissioning intentions, including service design, delivery models, accommodation options and market capacity.
The proposed service is indicative at this stage and includes:
- Specialist LGBTQ+ domestic abuse support delivered within safe accommodation, in line with the Local Authority’s Part 4 duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Provision of a minimum of 8 units of self contained safe accommodation within Manchester, typically supporting short term stays of 3–6 months
- Trauma informed, strengths based and person centred support, including risk assessment, safety planning, advocacy and move on support
- An indicative contract value of circa £112,000 per annum
This engagement is non binding and is being undertaken for market engagement purposes only. Participation will not form part of a procurement process and will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future tender.
How to participate
You are invited to:
- Respond in writing to a short set of market engagement questions using the link here: Market Engagement Safe Accommodation for LGBTQ+ Victims and Survivors – Fill in form; and/or
- Attend an in person provider engagement event on Wednesday 6th May 2026, 10am–1pm, at Queer Lit, 27 Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5AJ. Attendance is limited to two delegates per organisation. Register your attendance here:
Manchester City Council: Specialist LGBTQ+ Support- Domestic Abuse Market Engagement Event – Fill in form
The engagement deadline is 6th May 2026.
Full details can be found here: Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) safe accommodation and support services for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community - Find a Tender
Manchester City Council welcome engagement from specialist domestic abuse organisations, LGBTQ+ led or LGBTQ+ specialist organisations, housing and supported accommodation providers, VCFSE organisations, partnerships or consortia, and organisations not currently delivering similar services in Manchester.
If you have any queries regarding this engagement, contact shealah.garvey@manchester.gov.uk and alice.porter@manchester.gov.uk