Scope
Reference
OPEN2026172
Description
The Virtual Memory Box life story platform is a secure co-produced digital platform designed to enhance life story work for children and young people in our care. This is a fully interactive system that empowers children to curate their own memories.
Life story work is a statutory requirement and a critical component in supporting identity formation and emotional well-being for children in care.
Traditional approaches to life story work include a physical memory box which is vulnerable to loss or damage, particularly when children experience changes in their home or care arrangements.
Childrens services alongside representatives from digital services team, ICT and procurement, completed an initial scoping exercise to explore the different platforms available. Three initial platforms were identified and approached for demonstrations. Only two providers responded and Virtual Memory Box was the best option due to the ease and security of the system but also because the platform is already used regionally by other Local Authorities and is being rolled out across Regional Adoption Agencies.
Contract 1. Digital Life Story Platform
Supplier
Contract value
- £28,800 excluding VAT
- £34,560 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
10 December 2025
Contract dates
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
Contract locations
- UKC1 - Tees Valley and Durham
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
VIRTUAL MEMORY BOX LIMITED
- Companies House: 15014463
Studio 2:17, Northern Design Centre Abbott's Hill, Baltic Business Quarter
Gateshead
NE8 3DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Digital Life Story Platform
Contracting authority
Stockton on Tees Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCVQ-6435-GNMW
Dunedin House, Columbia Drive, Thornaby
Stockton on Tees
TS17 6BJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government