Parent Chat - Digital Parenting Support

Overview

Leicester City Council (LCC) is seeking to commission a Parent Chat service to enhance the parenting support available to Leicester-based parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 19 years, or up to 25 years for those with SEND. The service forms part of the Council’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme and is intended to provide a digital parenting support offer for families across the city. The proposed contract is expected to commence on 14th January 2027 and run until 13th January 2029. The Parent Chat service will provide access to information, advice and guidance on parenting topics including behaviour management, routines, infant feeding, school issues, developmental stages, relationships, becoming a parent, and speech and communication. The service will also provide access to 1:1 support from trained workers through channels such as telephone, text, email or webchat, offering advice, signposting and support to help families access appropriate local and national services. The provider will be expected to work with Leicester City Council and partners to promote the service through a Leicester-focused digital marketing approach and ensure the service is accessible to all parents and carers, taking account of language needs, literacy levels and accessibility requirements. The service must also provide data insights and reporting, maintain appropriate safeguarding arrangements, and ensure the security and confidentiality of service-user information.