Medway Council Awards Parent Advocacy Service Contract

Medway Council has awarded a contract for the provision of an advocacy service designed to support parents whose children are in care or at risk of entering care.

The service will work alongside families on the edge of care, as well as those with children already in care, helping parents build emotional resilience, access support services and strengthen their ability to safely care for their children. The council’s approach is centred on supporting families to remain together wherever it is appropriate and safe to do so.

The contract has been awarded to Libra Partnership Ltd following an open procurement process conducted under the Light Touch Regime.

Valued at £1 million, the service will commence on 1 July 2026 and run until 30 June 2029, with the option to extend for a further 12 months through to June 2030.

The advocacy service will provide direct support to families facing a range of challenges that may affect their ability to care for their children, including poor physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing issues, trauma, domestic abuse, substance misuse, financial hardship, housing difficulties and limited access to support services.

Working in a multi-disciplinary way, the service will support families referred through the Medway Family Partnership Co-ordinator and will work with both parents jointly, separately, or with single parents, depending on individual family circumstances.

Medway Council expects many of the families supported through the service to be involved in pre-proceedings, although support may also be provided to families who have previously experienced the removal of children from their care.

Contract Details

Contracting Authority: Medway Council

Contract Title: Provision of an Advocacy Service for Parents with Children in or on the Edge of Care

Supplier: Libra Partnership Ltd

Contract Value: £1,000,000

Award Date: 3 June 2026

Contract Period: 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029

Extension Option: One 12-month extension to 30 June 2030

Procedure: Open Procedure (Light Touch Regime)

CPV Codes: 85300000 – Social work and related services; 85310000 – Social work services

Location: Medway

The procurement attracted two tenders, with one supplier ultimately appointed to deliver the service.

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