The current in-house Share Young Persons Counselling Service contract has been awarded to Xenzone. This was as a result of a tender and procurement process.

The tender process involved an evaluation panel including commissioning representatives from Children, Schools and Families (Cornwall Council) and representatives from the current service and Schools.  The presentation phase of the tender also involved young people who devised their own questions for providers following a presentation on the service they were proposing.

The new provider currently provides similar services in 16 other areas of the country and bring with them experiences and added value that will facilitate the development of a blended model of face to face and online counselling services to young people in Cornwall, building on the good work already undertaken by the existing service.

Initial negotiations have begun and a joint transition plan for the service and volunteers is being developed between the Council and the incoming provider to ensure a smooth transition for young people and existing volunteers who deliver the service.  The service will commence on 1st March, 2012.

Founded in 2001, Xenzone are a Manchester based, private sector company.  They offer online counselling in the UK, and have won a number of awards. They have worked with a number of local authorities and counselled more than 10,000 people so far. The team is made up of a combination of mental health therapists, counsellors, managers and IT specialists.