MAIN will be holding a Christmas Fayre on 23rd November at 2pm-4pm at MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, TS3 6EN
Free entry- We will have refreshments, tombola, our shop stall, lollipop lucky dip and more
Let’s get into the Christmas spirit – all money raised will go towards our renovations in our centre
Daisy, has been working for MAIN since January and is one of our key workers in our Durham Post Diagnostic Support Service
Daisy has received some wonderful feedback recently whilst supporting our clients in our Post diagnostic Support Service
Daisy advocated on behalf of a client to support her to access police services and developed a personalised communication profile.
‘This is so soothing and helpful. Thank you, Daisy’
Daisy checked in on a client whose family member is ill in health and referred to Talking therapy
‘Thank you, Daisy for today’s conversation was very much appreciated’
Daisy contacted a client before their appointment with another service. Daisy called to let him know what to expect from his appointment.
‘Hello Daisy, thank you very much it will make me less anxious’
If you live in County Durham and are aged 16+ with a diagnosis of Autism, please see here for more information
Visit from Chris Cooke- Middlesbrough Mayor
‘Last week I had the pleasure of visiting MAIN’s centre in North Ormesby, which is undergoing an exciting renovation to expand the services they provide for individuals with Autism. It was inspiring to meet CEO Heather Whyman, the dedicated staff, trustee Debbie Sullivan, and one of their valued members, Kieran.
Their motto, ‘Together Raising Smiles’, couldn’t be a better description of the support on offer
MAIN’s mission is all about empowering individuals and families living with Autism, and this renovation will help them do even more. This centre will be a safe, supportive space where young people can continue to develop life skills, rather than falling through the gaps in support provision as they transition to adulthood.
Heather Whyman, CEO said ‘It was so lovely to welcome Chris and Ben to MAIN last week and to spend some time discussing our current and future plans; MAIN are in the process of seeing our new ‘Pathways to Independence Centre’ opened by the end of this year, which will offer practical and educational support in a safe and secure environment for our young people to develop additional life-skills.’
It was clear from talking to Heather and the team that their passion and experience make a real difference in the lives of those they support. They know first hand the challenges that come with Autism, but they also know how to empower others to overcome them, always offering advice, workshops, and community connections. A huge thank you to MAIN for all the incredible work they do in Middlesbrough, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact of their new centre once it opens later this year!’
This is a post from Chris Cooke
Verity is the daughter of one of MAIN’s staff and offered to volunteer some time at MAIN. Verity is studying in her home country, Nigeria, and whilst visiting her Mum in the UK wanted to give back to the local community.
Verity was a great help and supported our team with administrative tasks and gained experience of a UK work environment
Thank you Verity
If you are interested in volunteering at MAIN please get in touch by emailing us or calling on 01642 608012
Jovial Monk has nominated MAIN as their charity of the year and are holding a new event for everyone to join in. Please come down to the Jovial Monk on 30th November for a Reggae Night to help support MAIN.
@ Jovial Monk , Kings Road, North Ormesby, TS3 6NQ
6pm
Please remember to complete Middlesbrough’s SEND Parent/Carer survey
This is a great opportunity to give Parent/Carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities in Middlesbrough, a chance to give some feedback and have a voice.
Inclusion and Specialist Support Services- Middlesbrough
MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.
MAIN will be delivering some sessions in October
Monday 7th October 11am-1pm : Understanding Sadness
Friday 18th October 1am-12pm: Promoting Joy
Monday 21st October 10am-12pm: Understanding Anger
Drop in Sessions
Friday 4th October 12:30pm-2:30pm: Understanding Yourself
Friday 11th October 12pm-2pm: Accessing Mental Health Support
Monday 14th October 12pm-2pm: Promoting Joy
Monday 30th October 10am-12pm: Increasing Hope (Online via Microsoft Teams)
All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.
Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN
You can access more information, resources and support here
Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on
Update 11.10.24 – MAIN’s staff went on a shorter walk around North Ormesby due to the bad weather
We would love to see parents/carers join us for our Mental Health lunch walk for Mental Health Awareness Day. We will be leaving at 11:30am, TS3 6EN, to Albert Park and back. Let’s get walking and chatting!
Refreshments on return.
We have asked our clients to create pictures of ‘what makes them smile’ and we put them up around the centre on the day and shared on social media.
