Primary Health Networks (PHNs) were established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

The South Eastern Melbourne PHN catchment encompasses an area comprising 1.6 million people and stretches from St Kilda to Sorrento and as far east as Bunyip, including the major population hubs of Monash, Dandenong, Moorabbin, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Frankston and Pakenham.

From 1 July, 2016 PHNs adopted a commissioning approach to procuring medical and health care services which is based on an assessment of the health and wellbeing needs of the community. This work determines the priority areas and guides the scope of the commissioning process.

This Request for Tender (RFT) has been developed by the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) in collaboration with headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The RFT forms part of a commissioning approach to select and engage a lead agency to establish and manage a headspace centre located within South Melbourne.

The headspace centre will be responsive to the needs of young people and families residing/studying/working and/or have connections to the South Melbourne location and surrounding regions. In recognition of the prescribed location of headspace South Melbourne and proximity to the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) catchment, the headspace centre will need to ensure it is responsive to neighbouring local government areas i.e. Melbourne City Council and relevant youth mental health service providers i.e. Royal Melbourne Hospital, who operate outside the SEMPHN catchment.

The successful lead agency will be contracted from 1 December 2023. The successful lead agency will work collaboratively with headspace National and SEMPHN staff throughout a period of service establishment. During this period of establishment, the lead agency will be required to meet the deliverables associated with the headspace Trade Mark Licence Deed and headspace model as outlined in the new headspace Service Implementation Plan. Contingent upon the successful lead agency being issued with a headspace Trademark Licence Deed it is envisioned delivery of services will commence 1 July 2024 through to 30 June 2025.