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.

 

Meet Tom : My Journey

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Tom, accesses MAIN’s Adult Post Diagnostic Support Service in County Durham and has been on a journey the past year

 

I am Katherine and I have the pleasure to share Tom’s achievements. When I first spoke with Tom and his Mum in August 2023, Tom was on the start of his new adventure, he was due to start as an intern at Locomotion in Shildon. Tom was extremely nervous about the change to his routine but he was also very excited, as Locomotion is one of his favourite places to visit and the prospect of seeing the places that visitors were not allowed access to excited Tom even more. I think it is fair to say that Tom loves trains. Tom had been given a support worker to help him throughout the day alongside his time at Locomotion, Tom was expected to attend college.

 

The idea of college was very scary for Tom as again this would be a new routine for him, however, the taxi drivers had introduced themselves prior to the start of term and Tom knew the person he was due to share the taxi journey with so this had made things a little easier. All these little adjustments were exactly what Tom needed to help with his anxiety. At the start of the college term Tom was met at the taxi and aided into the college. After some time, Tom was expected to get out of the taxi himself and make his way to the meeting desk in reception, although this made Tom extremely anxious after the first few times he began to feel less so, little by little Tom was gaining his confidence. He even began to send little emails to his grandparents and other friends and family to help him gain even more new skills, this is a massive achievement as Tom admits that he does not really like computers.

 

Tom should be very proud of himself as he has achieved so much in such a short space of time and even though there have been a few bumps in the road, his new routine was beginning to work for him.

 

His time at Locomotion began by the organisers building Tom’s day up slowly, Tom began litter picking and cleaning and tidying the shelves in the gift shop, opportunities for helping on the trains began to appear and with the prospect of helping to polish the brasses and painting the trains came along with helping with the electrics on the trains as well.

 

Tom volunteering in the shop and tidying the stock on shelves Making sure the shop is clean and tidy

Fast forward to May 2024 and Tom has travelled home on the bus from his grandparents, independently. Tom is very proud of this achievement and so are his family. When Tom left school and college Mum had no idea what could be next for Tom, there was very few opportunities available to him at the age of 21 and Mum knew that she only wanted what was best for Tom so when the opportunity of the internship came about Mum could not have been happier. She has watched Tom thrive and grow into the amazing young man he is today. Tom has even started to problem solve for himself. Tom I will never again mention the iron brew in your college bag.

Quote from Tom – The best part of volunteering at Locomotion is that I love being here and being part of something where I can talk to people about trains which are a big part of my life and I can work in the shop and I also get to work on the trains

Tom stood next to a train at ShildonTom standing near his favourite train 

We asked Locomotion for some feedback:-

We’re delighted that Tom has chosen to volunteer at Locomotion. It has been great to see him develop his confidence, skills and experience over his time with us, and we look forward to continuing to work with him into the future. Volunteering is vital to the visitor experience at Locomotion, and anyone wishing to find out more should please contact our volunteer manager.

 

I think we can speak on behalf of a lot of young people and their family’s accessing MAIN, that there are opportunities like those experienced by Tom, and we hope that this story empowers you to start your own journeys.

A note from Mum – “We are extremely proud of Tom, his achievements and the amazing progress he has made so far.  We are very grateful to Houghall and to MAIN for their tremendous support and to Tom’s colleagues at Locomotion, who continue to guide him and inspire him to reach his goals. They have made him feel so welcome and have given him the confidence to succeed.  We hope that Tom’s journey helps others to realise that they can fulfil their ambitions and have a positive and bright future “.

Happy Halloween with cats and pumpkins

SEN Friendly Halloween

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Happy Halloween

Having a Happy Halloween

 Halloween can be lots of fun, but sometimes it can be overwhelming, especially when you hear about what everyone is doing for Halloween. Here are some tips for managing this time of year.

 

Decorate how you like

It’s up to you whether or not to decorate. If you don’t like scary things or pumpkins, that’s totally fine. Lots of decorations can sometimes be stressful to look at. You might prefer paper decorations to flashing lights or pumpkins, or prefer to not decorate at all.

 

Keep Costumes Comfy

If you choose to dress up for Halloween, try to wear something that you like and won’t cause sensory issues. It’s okay for your costume to be built out of what’s already in your wardrobe.

 

No knocking

If you would be upset or bothered by trick or treaters, put a sign up to let people know not to knock on your door. You can make your own sign, look online for one, or even get one from MAIN.

 

There are no rules of what to do

You might hear of lots of people doing Halloween-y things that sound terrible to you, but remember, you can do whatever you want. If you want to go trick or treating, go to a party, or stay home and chill, that’s all okay. If pumpkins aren’t your thing, don’t do them. If you want to ignore Halloween altogether, it’s totally fine.

 

If you are trick or treating

  • Plan your route – it’s easier if you know in advance where you will go so you don’t have to worry or make decisions on the night.
  • Plan some familiar houses (e.g. neighbours you get on with, friends, family ect.)
  • Plan when you can eat the sweets – maybe one or two treats a day instead of all at once, to have something to look forward to.

 

Image with green heart in caring hand saying here to help

November -Mental Health Workshops

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Here to Help: Emotional Recognition & Management Sessions

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 

Friday 8th November- 10am-12 noon – Understanding Happiness

Friday 15th November- 10am-12 noon- Understanding Anxiety and Anger

Friday 29th November- 10am-12 noon- Understanding Sadness

Drop in Sessions 

Monday 4th November- 12:30-2:30pm

Monday 11th November- 12-1pm

Monday 18th November- 12-2pm

Monday 25th November- 11am-12 noon

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

Christmas Fayre poster

Fundraising at MAIN: Our Christmas Fayre

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We are holding a Christmas Fayre- Come and join us

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

Spotlight : Key Worker Daisy

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We love to celebrate positive feedback at MAIN – Well done Daisy

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

Contact us