A SOCIAL enterprise which supports families by helping parents learn about their children’s development is developing a suite of digital learning tools thanks to the support of DigitalCity.

Close-Knit CIC is focusing on change in families and society, by supporting parents and caregivers with information to help them connect and understand their child’s development.

The Founder and Director of Close-Knit, Beth Munby is participating in DigitalCity’s Accelerator Programme funded through ERDF.

The programme is designed to support the growth of early-stage companies in the Tees Valley who are in the process of launching or planning to launch new to market products and services.

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The Teesside University-led DigitalCity initiative is supporting Close-Knit to develop and enhance its digital offering, so it can improve accessibility and offer more products and services online to its audiences.

The business has used the funds provided by the accelerator programme to help create digital services such as educational videos and support.

Beth said: “The knowledge I have gained from experts and business colleagues through DigitalCity Accelerator workshops has been invaluable to me as a business leader and to my business.”

She added that her time on the Accelerator Programme has been vital for Close-Knit’s growth as it has expanded her strategic thinking, which has strengthened the planning for the growth of her business.

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Close-Knit works with families with children under five years old, and is developing an easy to access and easy to understand animation video for parents of babies aged two and under about baby brain development. The animation helps parents and carers connect with their baby, aiding brain development, and enabling them to reach their potential.

Around 200 families have so far been involved in this exciting project and the aim of this video is to highlight the importance of the first 1,001 days of a child’s life and to create an effective and streamlined resource to help explain this to parents and carers.

There is huge emphasis on positive interactions with babies, as these are more likely to have a positive impact in the later life of the child.

Beth added: “Close-Knit is creating a video about baby brain development with parents and carers because we want our resources to be accessible and be helpful for them.

“We want to give parents and carers tools to support their relationship with their child and their child's development.

'We are passionate about parents and carers accessing this information as early as possible in their parenting journey to help them and their children.”

Lynsey Robinson, Director of DigitalCity, added: “A key part of DigitalCity’s mission is to facilitate the introduction of digital technology into new industries and sectors.

“We are delighted to be able to help Close-Knit develop its innovative digital tools to help parents navigate the early years of their child’s life.”

To help Close-Knit support baby brain development by taking part in their research and sharing your views as they develop this resource contact research@close-knit.org.uk.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

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