Children’s Mental Health Week 9th – 15th February 2026

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It’s Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year, we’re shining a light on every unique way of thinking, feeling, and being. 🌟

Whether your child is neurodiverse, neurotypical, or somewhere in between, this week is all about listening, sharing, and celebrating feelings, the good, the messy, and even the “wait, what just happened?!” kind.

Here’s the thing: every feeling matters.  Anxiety?  Frustration?  Joy?  Excitement?  They’re all part of the story, and every story deserves to be heard. 🎨📝

So, how can we make this week a little brighter (and a lot more supportive)?

1️⃣ Talk, doodle, or dance it out – Not everyone can put feelings into words.  That’s okay! Drawing, journaling, or even dancing like nobody’s watching are all superpower-level ways to express yourself.

2️⃣ Celebrate strengths – Neurodiverse kids often see the world differently and that’s a gift!  Maybe it’s a quirky sense of humour, a lightning-fast memory, or a way of noticing details others miss. Cheer it, celebrate it, and let them know it matters. 🌈

3️⃣ Create safe spaces – A quiet corner, a calming playlist, or a favorite fidget toy can make a huge difference. Support looks like listening without judgment, asking open questions like “How are you feeling?” and giving space to answer in their own way.

4️⃣ Share and connect – You’re not alone, and neither are they.  Sharing stories, tips, or even small victories builds understanding, empathy, and community. 💌

Remember, mental health isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about nurturing growth, kindness, and connection. And a little humour along the way never hurts. 😉

💛 This Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s promise to:

  • Listen more than we talk

  • Celebrate every brain, every feeling, and every win

  • Remind children (and ourselves) that it’s okay to ask for help, to pause, and to be exactly who we are

Because in the end, love, care, and understanding are the superpowers that make every child feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

Thank you, to HawkesFire Ltd and Staff

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A Heartfelt Thank You to HawkesFire Ltd!

MAIN are forever grateful to our amazing community. This Christmas, HawkesFire Ltd and their staff have made our festive season even brighter with their generous donation of £2,000.00.

As a small local charity, every penny goes directly towards providing vital support and respite for children and young adults with autism, neurodiverse needs, learning disabilities, and complex needs. Your generosity helps us continue making a real difference in the lives of those we support, from age 5 into adulthood.

Thank you, HawkesFire Ltd, your kindness truly means the world to us!

Chat MAIN Logo

Chat MAIN – online support for our Neurodiverse Community

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🎙️ You may have heard us on Hits Radio recently…

We’ve been chatting about the importance of connection, understanding, and community for autistic and neurodiverse adults, and that conversation has inspired something new at MAIN 💛

✨ Something supportive.
✨ Something welcoming.
✨ Something online.

We know adulthood can feel isolating, especially when you’re autistic or neurodivergent. That’s why our team has been quietly working behind the scenes on a new space where adults can connect, share experiences, and simply be themselves, with no pressure and no expectations.

💬 A calm, friendly online group
🤝 A place to meet others who understand
🏠 Join from the comfort of home

Thank you to Hits Radio for helping us raise awareness✨

Thank you to Katherine and Helen for supporting Chat MAIN 

Please follow the link on our website, or to ask a question or find out more email – info@iammain.org.uk; 

#TogetherRaisingSmiles #Autism #Neurodivergent #AdultSupport #Community #MentalHealth #ADHDSupport #LearningDisability #ComplexNeeds #SENSupport #Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, to Cash for Kids – Hits Radio

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We would like to say a huge thank you to Cash for Kids, Bauer Group, Hits Radio, and our incredible community for their generosity, supporting good causes across the North East.

We are truly blessed and deeply thankful for your kindness. The toys and gifts provided will bring so much joy, comfort, and positive sensory experiences to our children, many of whom are autistic, neurodiverse, have learning disabilities, and/or complex needs.

We specifically requested sensory and fidget toys, and Hits Radio delivered beyond expectations. These items will help our children feel calm, supported, engaged, and included, while also providing enjoyment and meaningful play.

The smiles, excitement, and appreciation from our children say it all.

Your generosity will make a lasting difference, and we cannot thank you enough 💙

Thank you, Celestial Windows Middlesbrough

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A Massive THANK YOU 💙

We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to Thomas’s mum and family.

Grandad Alan, who owns Celestial Windows, in Middlesbrough have again shown their generosity, by donating lots of toys, arts and crafts sets, and baking ingredients that will bring so much joy to our children and young people,, especially as we head into the Christmas holiday season.

MAIN is incredibly blessed to have such strong and caring support from our community. Thomas, who attends MAIN, is part of a loving and supportive family who continually go above and beyond to help ensure our spaces remain happy, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. Their kindness and thoughtfulness never go unnoticed.

This is not the first time Celestial Windows have stepped up for MAIN. Earlier this year, when our hosepipe and mounting were stolen, Alan (Grandad) immediately sprang into action, arranging for one of his staff members to come over with a replacement, no hesitation, just genuine care and community spirit.

Now, as Christmas approaches, we are overwhelmed by the generosity shown once again. The toys and resources donated will help us create magical moments, spark creativity, and ensure our children and young people can enjoy festive activities together in a safe and nurturing environment.

Support like this truly highlights the power of local people supporting local causes. It is partnerships and kindness like this that allow MAIN to continue raising smiles, building confidence, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.

From all of us at MAIN, thank you for your continued support, generosity, and belief in what we do. You are helping us make a real difference, and for that, we are deeply grateful. 💙

MAIN need a Quiet Space

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Help Us Build a Lifeline — MAIN’s Quiet Room Is Within Reach

At MAIN, we see every day how powerful the right environment can be for a child or young person in crisis. For some, a moment of overwhelm can feel like a storm they can’t escape. What they need isn’t punishment or restraint, they need calm. They need safety. They need a space designed with their needs, not their behaviours, at the centre.

And right now, we’re closer than ever to making that space a reality.

Over the last few months, individuals, families, local businesses and community partners have blown us away with their generosity. From sponsored walks (including staff dressed-up as old ladies!) to young Henry’s inspiring fundraising journey, every single person has helped us take huge steps toward creating our purpose-built Quiet Room — a safe, padded, sensory-considerate space where autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled young people can regulate without risk of harm.

We’ve raised an incredible £19,485 so far.

But to complete the essential preparatory work,  the builder stage that must be done before installation, we still need £20,000.

With padded Duratex walls, a calming digital skylight and specialist equipment including a donated Doodle Pod from UK Pods, this Quiet Room will transform lives. It will prevent crisis from becoming chaos. It will help young people find peace in their hardest moments. And it will give families, staff and the wider community a space that supports emotional safety and wellbeing.

This Christmas, we’re asking local businesses and supporters to stand with us.

If you or your organisation is choosing a cause to support this year, please consider helping us finish the Quiet Room. Your donation isn’t just funding a room — it’s giving children and young people the dignity, calm and compassion they deserve.

To donate – please follow the link on our website.

Below is the full news article as published, and we are so proud to share the incredible support that’s helping us turn this dream into a much-needed reality.

read full article here

Christmas Tips for our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

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Christmas Tips for Our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

Christmas can be magical… and a little overwhelming sometimes.  Here are some gentle ideas to make it easier and more enjoyable:

✨ Take it slow
No need to dive straight into the Christmas chaos. Add decorations or try festive activities gradually—one small thing at a time can make a big difference.

Plan what feels good
Knowing what’s happening and who will be there can make things calmer. Think about meals, events, or quiet time for yourself.  Your plan can be as simple or detailed as you like.

Look after yourself

Bring comfort items: earplugs, fidget toys, or a cosy hoodie.

Have snacks you like, festive food doesn’t have to be tricky.

Take breaks whenever you need.

Presents your way
Make a wish-list for yourself, and keep a simple list of gifts you want to give. No pressure—just a little help so everyone knows what makes you happy.

Create your own traditions
Your Christmas can be anything you want—your meal, your decorations, your activities. You don’t have to do it the “usual way.”

Feeling lonely? That’s okay too

Treat yourself to your favourite food, film, or creative project.

Call or video chat with friends or family.

Volunteer or join a community event if you want to meet people.

Join our MAIN Chat Group!
Our next online session is 17th December. Email us if you’d like joining instructions info@iammain.org.uk – we’d love you to be part of our group!

Remember: Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful or “perfect.” You can make it calm, joyful, and totally yours.

The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy – Time to Deliver

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Let’s hope this actually does what it says on the tin, real, meaningful support for our autistic & neurodiverse community.

The House of Lords committee has just published their report “Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy”, calling for urgent, concrete action.

They highlight that more than 200,000 people are currently waiting for autism assessments.

They’re demanding a costed, deliverable plan for the next strategy (which needs to launch by July 2026) with real accountability.

They also stress the need for meaningful involvement of autistic people in every stage of designing and delivering this strategy.
UK Parliament Committees

Training must be expanded for public-facing staff, and there must be better support for autistic people in the criminal justice system.
UK Parliament Committees

Why this matters:
For too long, policy has been made for autistic people not with them. According to the report, successive governments have failed to deliver on real change. This isn’t just about “nice words” it’s about building a system that works, assessment, support, employment, health, justice all of it.

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/770/autism-act-2009-committee/news/210570/autism-act-committee-report-publication/

Thank you Stockton City The Smoggies Football Club

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A Huge Thank You from MAIN!

This weekend, MAIN Charity, which supports autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled and complex needs individuals from 5 years upwards, were honoured to be welcomed to a fantastic charity football match organised by Dalton Storey, a young man who truly shines with enthusiasm and care for his community. ⚽

Congratulations to Stockton City ‘The Smoggies’ for winning the game, and a massive thank you to everyone who came along and helped raise £225.95 from ticket sales on the door!

But Dalton didn’t stop there, he also organised a brilliant Race Night at The Moline Cross, raising a further £100,00, to support our amazing charity.

Special thanks also go to:
Linda Dickinson, Interim Chair and Trustee, who came along in support
My lovely granddaughter Laila, who braved the weather to cheer on the teams
Leanne and Tracey for attending the Race Night and showing their support

It’s heart warming to see such great people coming together with love and dedication to support MAIN.

#ThankYou #CommunitySpirit #CharitySupport #Neurodiversity #TeamMAIN #Fundraising #TogetherRaisingSmiles

Enjoying Guy Fawkes Safely

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Guy Fawkes Night –

Tips for Our Neurodiverse Community

 

It’s nearly Guy Fawkes Night!
This means there will be fireworks, loud bangs, bright lights, and crowds.

Some people find fireworks fun and exciting
Others might find them loud, bright, or scary
All feelings are OK

 

Here are some ideas to help you feel safe and calm:

Protect your ears
Fireworks can be very loud.
You can wear ear defenders, headphones, or earplugs.

 

Look after your eyes
If bright lights bother you, try wearing sunglasses or stay where it’s darker.

 

Stay in a safe space
You don’t have to go outside.
You can stay indoors, watch from a window, or do something else you enjoy.

 

Plan ahead
Find out when fireworks will happen near you.
Knowing what to expect can make it easier.

 

Tell someone how you feel
You can say, “The noise makes me uncomfortable.”
Friends, family, or support staff can help you find what works best.

 

Look after pets too
Animals can also get scared, close windows and curtains to help them feel safe.

 

Use calming tools
Try deep breathing, fidget toys, weighted blankets, or calming music.

 

 

❤️ Remember: You don’t have to join in.
It’s OK to do what feels right for you.

 

Let’s make this Guy Fawkes Night safe, calm, and comfortable for everyone