colour swatches all natural browns beiges and light calm bluey greens

Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN- Update 2

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Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN

Exciting news! The deliveries for our renovations have arrived, and we are one step closer to expanding and developing our Pathways to Independence centre.

colour swatches all natural browns beiges and light calm bluey greens

We have another exciting update for our Pathways to Independence centre! Here’s a sneak peek at the colour theme for the centre and reception area.

Thoughtful Design:

Although MAIN has extensive experience, we recently attended a conference focused on interior design for autistic individuals. This has helped us ensure that our new features are not only appropriate but also create a calm and welcoming environment with reduced barriers.

We are committed to making our centre a place where everyone feels comfortable and supported. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress!

 

Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with our progress

Thumbnail asking for donations. You can do this on our website

See our new Fundraising page!

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Please support us in achieving our goals

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new fundraising page on our website! As a charity, we rely on the generous donations and fundraising efforts of our wonderful community to continue our vital work.

Our current aspirations include upgrading our facilities, reaching more families and purchasing a new minibus. With your support, we can make these dreams a reality and continue to make a positive impact.

Please visit our fundraising page here to learn more about our goals and how you can help. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to achieving our mission.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Warm regards,

MAIN

 

Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with our progress

White good deliveries

Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN- Update 1

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Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN

Exciting news! The deliveries for our renovations have arrived, and we are one step closer to expanding and developing our Pathways to Independence centre.

Large brown packages White good deliveries White good deliveries

What’s Coming:

  • Disability Accessible Sinks and Cookers: Ensuring everyone can participate in kitchen activities.
  • Teaching Hob Island: A central feature for cooking demonstrations and lessons.
  • Washers and Dryers: For practical laundry skills.
  • Ironing Board: To complete our laundry room setup.

Here’s a sneak peek of all the boxes ready to be installed once the foundation is complete. We can’t wait to see these new features in action and the positive impact they will have on our community.

Thank you for your continued support and patience during this exciting time of growth and improvement

 

 

Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with our progress

Says The Story

Local Services: The Story

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We visited The Story in County Durham

Katherine and Pippa visited The Story last week and reported back. 

The Story is a very welcoming place and is focused on making their space accessible for all. We were shown around by Steph West and she explained that this museum brings together the collections of The Archives which is six miles of information spanning 900 years of history, Archaeological objects and historical records, 300 years of the Durham Light Infantry, Local Studies and Historic Registration back to 1837 are recorded for the area.

Entry is free of charge and the site has good parking and is very accessible, there is a lift on site. There is no reception as such on the ground floor but there are people there to meet and greet as you go through the front doors. The Story is family friendly and have a lot of activities throughout the school holidays and weekends. There are a lot of interactive exhibits, lots of tactile exhibits and it has also been broken down into manageable pieces of information. There is a lovely big coffee shop and with free use of computers upstairs there is no need to book in advance.

Thank you for the show around and we look forward to forging further links soon.

For more information please visit their website 

 

image with cartoon pumpkins saying fun clubs

Halloween Fun Clubs

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Discover our Fun Clubs

MAIN’s Fun Clubs: Short Break Services

At MAIN, we are proud to offer our short break services during the school holidays, known as Fun Clubs. These clubs are designed for children and young people aged 5-18 years.

Our Fun Clubs provide a safe and engaging environment where participants can enjoy a variety of activities, make new friends, and develop new skills. Whether it’s arts and crafts, sports, or interactive games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming your children to our Fun Clubs and making their school holidays memorable and fun!

October Spooky Fun at MAIN!

This October, we had an amazing time with our spooky-themed sessions! Here’s a glimpse of the fun activities we enjoyed:

  • Sensory Play Pumpkin Making: A hands-on activity that was a hit with everyone.
  • Cake Making: Delicious and creative fun in the kitchen.
  • Arts and Crafts: Unleashing creativity with spooky-themed projects.
  • Fun and Games: Plenty of laughter and excitement.

One of our groups even went trick-or-treating in our lovely community, spreading joy and collecting treats. Additionally, we visited the local care home, and it was such a success that MAIN has been invited back for our Christmas Fun Clubs!

Thank you to everyone who participated and made these sessions memorable. We look forward to more fun and festive activities in the coming months!

 

 

building site with step ladders and work men

Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN

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Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN

We are thrilled to announce that building work has officially begun on the renovations to expand our centre, Pathways to Independence Centre. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower young people and adults by providing them with the skills they need to lead more independent lives.

Key Features of the Centre:

  • Accessible Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen where individuals can learn cooking and meal preparation skills.
  • Café Area: A welcoming space for social interaction and community engagement.
  • Laundry Room: A practical area for learning essential laundry skills.
  • Reception: A friendly and accessible reception area to greet visitors and provide information.

Our goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals can develop practical skills, build confidence, and foster independence. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and MAIN’s Pathways to Independence is a significant step towards making this a reality.

We invite you to join us in supporting this incredible initiative. Whether through donations, or spreading the word, your involvement can make a huge difference in the lives of those we serve.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress with the renovations. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community!

 

 

Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with our progress

Thumbnail saying New middlesbrough adult day services launching 1st november 2024

MAIN’s New Adult Day Service

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MAIN have been commissioned by Middlesbrough to provide an Adult Day Service

 

Launching today, 1st November, MAIN have a new Adult Day service in our Finlay Cooper Centre.

This service is for anyone 18+ years and is a resident in across Tees Valley- referrals through Adult social care services & NHS . Middlesbrough referrals will take priority as contracted.

Tuesdays 9:30-12:30 Independent living skills
Tuesday 1:30pm-4:30pm Health and Wellbeing
Friday 9:30am-12:30 Getting ready for employment
Friday 1:30-4:30 Enrichment

 

 

Please contact us for more information or look at our support pages 

Image of sad person

Advice for coping with the winter months

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Coping with the winter blues

It’s normal to feel a bit low during the winter, as it gets dark so early, and it’s cold all the time. Here are some tips for keeping positive during the winter months.

 Find ways to embrace the seasons

Think about things you can do to appreciate the changing seasons and cold weather. Decorate your house with seasonal decorations like candles and fairy lights, and anything that makes you feel cosy. Maybe bring some plants inside so you can appreciate the greenery without having to venture out into the cold.

You might like to swap out your wardrobe and put your summer clothes away in exchange for comfy clothes more suitable for cold weather.

 

Get outside when you can

It’s good to get outside during the day and get some light/fresh air and have a walk. This can help you feel better, even if you only go out for a short time. If it’s cold, make sure to wrap up warm before you go out. Be careful if it’s icy and see if someone can come with you to make sure you’re safe.

 

Plan fun inside activities

If you can’t do all the outside activities you like, think about how you can enjoy your time indoors. Activities like baking, drawing, reading, gaming and watching your favourite show or film are great for those dark winter evenings.

 

Make the most of the quiet times

If you enjoy alone time, you might want to use the early evenings as a time for yourself to do what you want to do and appreciate having your own space.

 

Comfort foods

Autumn/winter is the perfect time to enjoy comfort foods like soup or cottage pie, or your favourite puddings. You could bring in some more seasonal vegetables into your diet as another way to embrace the colder weather.

 

Try to keep the same sleep routine

Many people struggle in winter because they tend to sleep much more when it is darker longer, and this can leave you feeling groggy and lethargic. Try to stick to the same sleep schedule as you have all year, as this routine can help you to feel your best. You might find it helpful to use an alarm clock with a waking up light, as this can help waking up to feel more natural.

 

Recognise if you need more help

The winter months are often difficult, but it’s important to seek help if you find yourself feeling depressed on most days contact your doctor to discuss it.

 

If you are feeling suicidal you can contact below for help. Samaritans: 116 123

Crisis Team: 0800 0516 171

You can also text Shout to 85258

 

 

Purple thumbnail with firework art

Tips for a SEN Friendly Bonfire Night

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Bonfire Night

Bonfire night can be lots of fun, but it can also be a great cause of stress for autistic people. It’s normal if you feel a little overwhelmed by
it.

Here are some tips to help.

Research the events
If you want to attend a local firework display or bonfire, it’s useful to know what to expect. Some events might have a “quiet zone” which you could ask to use, where there will be fewer crowds. It’s also useful to know what time fireworks will start so you are ready for them, and not surprised by the sounds and lights of fireworks, whether you choose to watch from home, go to a local event, or hide under a blanket.

 

Coping with sensory issues
Fireworks can be very loud and you may need to wear headphones or earplugs to help cope with this. If the fire is too bright, sunglasses can help with this. Make sure to wear warm and comfy clothes if you are going outside.

 

Distract yourself

If you hate the sounds of fireworks, you might find it useful to watch your favourite TV show or listen to your favourite music a bit louder than normal, to hide the noises you don’t like. This can also help you to feel a bit calmer as you are doing something you like.

 

Have a safe space

If you find fireworks scary, you might want to make an extra cosy space in your home. Think about if you have a good blanket or any sensory items that make you feel safe or a pet you can cuddle.

 

MAIN's certificate stating we are a Carer friendly employer

MAIN are a Carer Friendly Employer in County Durham

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MAIN are a Carer Friendly Employer in County Durham

MAIN have been awarded Carer friendly employer status by Durham County Carers support.
This award means that MAIN have been recognised as an organisation that supports carers to work and be successful in the workplace.
The number of Carers in the UK is predicted to rise 60% by 2030, being a carer friendly employer means being inclusive and understanding of people’s caring responsibilities, working with them to find what works best for them.
MAIN are committed to supporting carers in the workplace, empowering them to access the support they may need and enabling them to achieve their full potential.