It Takes a Village: Supporting Families from the Very Beginning
At Redcar Baptist Church, we are privileged to host and support initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of local families. One such initiative is The Village, a project run by Close-Knit Families, a charity dedicated to helping babies and the people who care for them build strong, loving relationships from the very start.
The Story Behind Close-Knit Families
Close-Knit Families was founded by Beth Munby, whose professional work with families and personal experience of becoming a parent highlighted the profound importance of early relationships. Through training in attachment, neuroscience, and child development, Beth gained insights that transformed both her practice and her parenting.
Recognising that many parents never have access to this valuable knowledge, she set out to make it available to everyone. What began as a social enterprise has grown into a charity that provides accessible resources, educational sessions, and supportive groups designed to give families the strongest possible start.
Why Early Relationships Matter
Research consistently shows that a child’s earliest experiences help shape their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and development throughout life. Yet pregnancy and the first year of parenthood can also be some of the most challenging seasons for families.
Many parents experience anxiety, isolation, or emotional struggles during this transition. For some, practical support networks are limited or non-existent. Close-Knit Families believes that no parent should have to navigate these important early years alone.
Their mission is simple but powerful: to help babies and their caregivers build positive relationships and experiences that will benefit them for years to come.
The Village at Redcar Baptist Church
The Village is a welcoming community for expectant parents and families with babies under one year old. It is built on the belief that every family deserves support, encouragement, and connection.
Chill, Chat and Play
Every Monday during term time, from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the main hall of Redcar Baptist Church, parents, carers, and babies gather for a relaxed drop-in session filled with conversation, friendship, and play.
Families enjoy:
Baby sensory activities
Messy play experiences
Tea and toast
Opportunities to connect with other parents
Wellbeing activities for adults, including mindfulness colouring and puzzles
There is no need to book—simply come along and receive a warm welcome.
Baby Beginnings
For expectant parents, Baby Beginnings offers a free three-session programme held on Wednesday evenings 6.15pm-8pm.
These sessions help parents:
Understand their baby’s development
Build confidence for the journey ahead
Explore bonding during pregnancy
Prepare emotionally for life with a newborn
Connect with other expectant families
The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive, with no pressure to participate. Parents can attend with a partner, family member, or friend, making it an ideal space to prepare for the arrival of a new baby.
All of their services are free for families. Every family who attends is entered into a raffle to win a baby box full of exciting and useful baby products that will support their baby’s development.
To book a place, please visit their website.
More Than Information—A Community of Support
What makes The Village special is its focus on both baby wellbeing and parent wellbeing. The team understands that caring for yourself is an important part of caring for your child.
As one parent reflected:
“I thought I needed to learn how to put a nappy on or how to bathe a baby, but actually that stuff is the easy bit. It’s the emotional side that is important.”
Another shared:
“It’s okay to look after yourself. Looking after you is looking after your baby too.”
These simple but powerful insights are at the heart of everything Close-Knit Families does.
Making a Difference
Since launching in 2021, Close-Knit Families has directly supported more than 1,000 families across Teesside and reached many more through resources shared by organisations throughout the UK.
The Village has already connected dozens of local families, helping parents feel less alone, more confident, and better equipped for the journey of parenthood.
How You Can Get Involved
If you are expecting a baby, caring for a child under one, or know someone who would benefit from this support, we encourage you to connect with Close-Knit Families.
You can also support their work through volunteering, donations, or simply helping spread the word.
For more information, visit:
Website: www.close-knit.org.uk
Facebook: @close.knit.families
Instagram: @close.knit.families
LinkedIn: Close-Knit Families
At Redcar Baptist Church, we believe that strong families strengthen communities. We are delighted to see The Village providing a place where parents, carers, and babies can find encouragement, friendship, and support—because it truly does take a village to raise a child.
Loving Father,
Thank You for the gift of family, for the precious lives of children, and for those who care for them each day. We pray for expectant parents, new parents, grandparents, carers, and all who walk alongside families in their journey.
Grant them wisdom when they feel uncertain, strength when they are weary, and peace when life feels overwhelming. Help them to know that they are not alone and that Your presence goes before them in every season.
We thank You for organisations such as Close-Knit Families and for all who faithfully support and encourage parents and babies in our community. Bless their work, their volunteers, and every family they encounter.
May our church continue to be a place of welcome, compassion, and belonging, where people find friendship, support, and hope. Help us to be part of the village that surrounds families with love and care.
We pray that every child may grow knowing they are valued, cherished, and deeply loved by You.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
