Pancake day finished product

Spotlight: Aaron

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Pancake Day at the Pathway to Independence Centre

Aaron had an amazing Pancake Day at the Pathway to Independence Centre! He started by buying all the necessary ingredients from the shop. Once back, he washed his hands thoroughly to get ready for the fun.

Aaron made the pancake mixture all by himself, showing great independence. He was very careful while cooking the pancakes in the pan. When it came time to flip them, he exclaimed “hoopla!” with excitement.

For decoration, Aaron chose chocolate spread and sprinkles, making his pancakes look as good as they tasted. After enjoying his delicious creation, he described them as “very yummy” and “delicious.”

To wrap up his Pancake Day, Aaron took responsibility for cleaning up. He washed all the pots, cleaned the worktops, and even mopped the floor, ensuring the kitchen was spotless.

Great job, Aaron!

Pancake day cooking pancakesPancake day toppings Pancake day finished product  Pancake Day- washing up Pancake day- cleaning up

If you would like to learn more about our PA Support Services please contact us here

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Feedback : County Durham Post Diagnostic Support Service
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Feedback : County Durham Post Diagnostic Support Service

My name is Michael and I have been under the care of MAIN since 2021

I was diagnosed with autism in my 30s after a lifetime of being isolated, confused and constantly lost and overwhelmed I have found MAIN to be a critical resource on my ongoing journey to both understand and navigate how my autism presents and manifests itself. Without MAIN I would have no one to turn to with an understanding of autism and the awareness of how to help accommodate my needs.

MAIN has been more than just a point of contact. They have provided greatly needed advice and reassurance on many things. They have helped me to allow myself to be autistic after a lifetime of exhausting masking. They have given me a voice when I have not been able to speak for myself and are a constant source of support and care in a world I do not understand. They have helped prevent both me and my autistic sister Louise from being taken advantage of and being pushed into things that are not appropriate for us. Without them, we thought we had no choice and ended up exploited and distressed. They have helped me trying to manage negative behaviours and allow myself to explore being kind to myself and not be ashamed of what can give me comfort. I still find managing myself a huge struggle but MAINs support has reduced the amount of self harming incidents I endure. MAIN were vital in aiding me during an extremely stressful and upsetting PIP assessment. Without their support I do not know if I would have been awarded anything. MAIN have facilitated me accessing my GP several times, helping to get me access to needed medications and supplements. They have helped reconnect me with my doctors surgery and re-establish much needed physical monitoring for a long enduring eating disorder. Without them I had not been seen since the pandemic. MAIN were crucial in getting me access to the covid vaccine and planning a safe journey that would minimise my distress MAIN have spent a lot of time helping me to understand many things. I have had problems with understanding various bills and letters, knowing my rights, making important decisions and communicating them successfully, if at all.

I do not like to think of how I would begin to manage if MAIN were no longer accessible to me. They have provided the one thing I have never had in my entire life, respectful guidance, support and help with my autism, allowing me to slowly consider the notion that I am and can be a person of worth

I truly hope I have been able to convey how important MAIN have been as a service. Not just to me but to everyone they work with.

Thanking You

 

If you would like to learn more about our County Durham Service please look here or contact us here 

Nala- Therapy Dog

Please Welcome to the MAIN Family- Nala- The Therapy Dog

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Nala the Therapy Dog’s First Week at MAIN

We are delighted to introduce Nala, our new therapy dog volunteer, who has had an exciting first week at MAIN! Nala went for her assessment with Pets at Therapy last month and passed on her first try. She is now an officially registered therapy dog.

Nala will be working in the prisons around Teesside and will also be joining us for clubs and fun days at MAIN. She is a 1-year-old female cocker spaniel who loves to play with everyone and also enjoys relaxing and getting cuddles. We believe she will be a perfect fit for some of the children and adults at MAIN.

Nala is one of MAIN’s own, Sophie’s dog. Sophie is one of our dedicated facilitators at MAIN.

During Nala’s first visit to the centre, she introduced herself to some of our groups and PAs. Her friendly and loving nature has already made a positive impact, and we are excited to see the joy and comfort she will bring to everyone at MAIN.

Welcome to the team, Nala!

 

Please sign up to our newsletter to keep updated  at the bottom of each webpage

Group photo in centre

Exciting News: The Pathway to Independence Centre is Open!

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Exciting News: The Pathway to Independence Centre is Open!

We are thrilled to announce that our Pathway to Independence Centre is now open! Over the first two weeks, the centre has already become a vibrant hub of activity and community.Our Adult Group has been enjoying the space, relaxing and socialising in a welcoming environment. It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together and making the most of the new facilities.

On Saturdays, our Teens & Tweens group has been busy in the Pathway to Independence area. They made some delicious old-school tray-bake for the first time, and it was a huge success! The teens and tweens took on the responsibility of washing, drying, and putting away the pots, as well as measuring their own ingredients. Their teamwork and enthusiasm were truly commendable.

Well done to everyone involved!

For more information about our clubs and services please look here or look under Activities 

Group posing at bottom of Roseberry Topping

Cheering on Our Volunteers: Training for the 40-Mile Lyke Wake Walk

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Cheering on Our Volunteers: Training for the 40-Mile Lyke Wake Walk

We are incredibly proud of our dedicated group of volunteers who are fundraising for MAIN.
As they prepare for the gruelling 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk in August, some of the volunteers managed to put some time aside, Neil, Adam, Liam, Joshua, Aidan, and Tom have been putting in the hard work to ensure they’re ready for the challenge.
This past Saturday, the team met up for a training session that took them up Roseberry Topping and to Captain Cook’s Monument and back. It was a tough trek, but the group showed incredible determination and spirit as they tested out their boots and logged some practice miles.
Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument provided the perfect backdrop for their training, offering both beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. The team’s commitment to their training is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see them conquer the Lyke Wake Walk in August.
Let’s all cheer on Neil, Adam, Liam, Joshua, Aidan, and Tom as they continue their preparations. Your support means the world to them and helps drive them forward. Keep up the amazing work, Team!
Photos of our team on their practice walk   

Please help fundraise or sponsor our team of walkers by going to our JustGiving Page 

Unregistered Alternative Education explaining we are launching

New Service: Unregistered Alternative Education Provision – Middlesbrough, Darlington & Redcar

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MAIN’s New Provision

MAIN are now launching our Unregistered Alternative Education Provision for Middlesbrough, Redcar and Darlington residents.

For individuals who are Autistic. neurodivergent, awaiting a diagnosis, have a learning disability and/ or complete need and not accessing education.

Sessions take place at our centre and in the community. We aim to support young individuals engage in education using a creative and person-centred approach.

What is Unregistered Alternative Education? 

Unregistered Alternative Education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), who are not attending school refers to educational settings or programs that are not formally registered or regulated by the government.

These environments offer flexible and often individualised learning opportunities tailored to the uniqueness of the child, young person. Families may choose unregistered alternative education for a variety of reasons, including dissatisfaction with traditional schooling, difficulties in meeting the child’s specific needs, or sensory and emotional challenges that make formal school environments overwhelming.

What are the benefits?

Unregistered Alternative Education offers a flexible, individualised approach that prioritises the child’s specific needs, interests, and emotional well-being. With a focus on personalised learning, therapeutic support, and practical life skills, these settings offer a valuable alternative for families who find traditional schooling insufficient or unsuitable for their neurodiverse children.

 

Please contact us if you would like more information