RecruitingInterventional

Helping local authorities to help parents: the BeST Engage Project

This study, called the BeST Engage Project, aims to help local councils across the UK improve their parenting programs. These programs can make a big difference for children's behaviour and family life, but sometimes families in tougher circumstances don't get to join as often. Researchers are testing a new set of tools to help councils promote and deliver these programs better, making sure more parents, especially those in need, can take part and complete them. The study looks at information councils already collect, and some parents and staff might be asked to share their thoughts in surveys or interviews.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Manchester Metropolitan University

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

29 Feb 2028

Low engagement (uptake and retention) in parenting programmes among socially deprived families

What is this study about?

Parenting programs can be really helpful for families. They offer tips and support that can make children's behaviour better and improve family life. However, sometimes families who could benefit the most, especially those living in areas with fewer opportunities, find it harder to join or stay in these programs.

This study is testing something called the 'BeST Engage toolkit'. Think of it as a helpful guide for local councils. It gives them ideas on how to talk about their parenting programs more clearly, improve staff training, and set up systems that make it easier for parents to get involved. The main goal is to help more parents, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, access and complete these valuable programs.

Researchers will work with different councils across the UK. Some councils will continue with their usual way of working, and then, at different times, they'll start using the BeST Engage toolkit. We'll then compare how well parents join and stay in programs before and after the toolkit is used, to see if it makes a positive difference.

Key takeaways

A UK study aiming to help local councils improve parenting programs.
Focuses on making these programs more accessible, especially for families in tougher areas.
Tests a new 'toolkit' to guide councils on how to better promote and deliver programs.
Uses anonymous data from councils; parents are not directly recruited for the main study.
Some parents and staff may be invited for optional surveys or interviews.
Hopes to increase the number of parents who join and complete helpful parenting programs.

Who may be eligible?

This study is mainly about helping local councils, so you won't be directly asked to join as a parent. Instead, local councils in the UK that offer or arrange parenting programs for children aged 4 to 18 years can take part.

The study focuses on areas where families might need more support, specifically councils in England that serve families in the top 30% of areas with higher levels of income deprivation for children. Families receiving free parenting programs for children aged 4-18 are the group whose engagement the study is hoping to improve.

Local councils cannot take part if they don't offer the specific parenting programs the study is looking at, or if they can't provide the anonymous information needed for the research.

Quick self-check

Are you a parent of a child aged 4-18?
Does your local council offer parenting programs?
Does your local council serve an area with high levels of income deprivation?
Does your local council already provide anonymous data on program uptake and attendance for research?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

As a parent, you won't be directly recruited to participate in the main part of this study. The research primarily involves local councils and uses information they already collect, which is made anonymous so it can't be linked back to you personally. This means there's no direct burden on individual parents.

However, some parents and local council staff might be invited to take part in short surveys or interviews to share their experiences and thoughts. Taking part in these would involve a small amount of your time, but they are completely optional.

Potential risks and benefits

Local councils that take part in this study might benefit from improved ways to connect with families and encourage more parents to join and complete parenting programs. For parents, there are very few risks because the main part of the study uses anonymous information and doesn't directly involve patients. If you are invited to complete a survey or interview, the risk is minimal, mainly a small time commitment. You would always have the right to decide not to take part in a survey or interview, or to stop at any time.

Locations (1)

There is no recruitment of participants into this study
N/A, England

Common questions

What kind of parenting programs are included?

The study focuses on parenting programs suitable for parents of children aged 4 to 18 years, as offered by local councils that participate.

Will my personal details be used in this study?

No, your personal details will not be used. The study uses anonymous information that local councils already collect, meaning it cannot be traced back to you.

What is a 'stepped wedge' study design?

It means councils start with their usual methods, and then, one by one over time, they begin using the new toolkit. This allows researchers to compare before-and-after results effectively.

How can this study help my family?

If your local council takes part and the toolkit is successful, it could mean better access and support for you to join parenting programs that can help your family thrive.

Who is running this study?

The study is being led by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University and other universities in the UK, and it's funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

How to find out more

Elaine Clarke

bestengage@shu.ac.uk +44 (0)114 2252612 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.