Thank You – Skipton Building Society

/in /by

A heartfelt thank you to Skipton Building Society for selecting MAIN as your Charity of Choice.
We are truly grateful for your generous donation of Body Socks, which will make a meaningful difference to the children we support. Your kindness and commitment to our cause are deeply appreciated and will have a lasting impact.

In the photo are Victoria from Skipton Building Society, Josh, Heather, the CEO of MAIN and Tristan, taken in our new Pathways to Independence area , a space dedicated to helping our young people build essential life skills in a supportive environment.

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

 

Autism Act (2009) Have Your Say

/in /by

Autism Act 2009 – Committees – UK Parliament

Be a part of the story, if you are an individual, group or parent, please use your voice,

lets make a world where every autistic person has the right to live a fulfilled and happy life.

 

The committee wants to hear your views. We welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. You can submit evidence until Monday 2 June 2025.

Read the call for evidence before submitting

Introduction

The Autism Act 2009 Committee in the House of Lords is looking into how well the Autism Act 2009 and the Government’s autism strategy are working.

As part of this, the Committee is holding a call for evidence asking for information and views from you. To allow as much time as possible for people to respond, the call for evidence is open for two months (a longer period than usual), until 2 June 2025.

Love heart art work

Post Diagnosis Support Service 2014 – 2025

/in /by

A Heartfelt Thank You as Our Post Diagnosis Service Transitions

Since 2014, MAIN has had the privilege of delivering the Post Diagnosis Support Service (PDSS), offering not just guidance, but a helping hand, a light at the end of what can often feel like a very dark tunnel. Most importantly, PDSS has stood for respect, understanding, and positivity; values we have always held at the heart of everything we do.

As of 1st June 2025, this vital service will be moving to a new provider.

Over the past 11 years, our dedicated PDSS team — Kimberley, Melissa, Philip, Katherine, Pippa, Lewis, Daisy and Stephen,  have directly supported more than a thousand individuals, along with their loved ones and professionals. Each of them brought compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to every person they supported.

To our autistic community: thank you. Thank you for the trust you placed in us, and for allowing us to be part of your journey. It has been a genuine honour.

At MAIN, we have always treated every individual as just that — an individual. That will never change. While the PDSS will now continue under different leadership, our passion for supporting the neurodivergent community remains stronger than ever.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish our Durham autistic community the very best for the future.

If you have any enquiries about the Post Diagnosis Support Service after 31st May 2025, please contact:

Durham County Council
Commissioning Policy and Planning Officer
Adult and Health Services
Tel: 03000 268407

With heartfelt gratitude,
The MAIN Team

 

Thank you NETA

/in /by

A Heartfelt Thank You to NETA for Their Generous Donation

At MAIN, we are absolutely delighted to share some wonderful news with our community. We recently received a generous donation of £1,000.00 from NETA, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

This kind contribution will be used to help improve our outdoor space and privacy—an area that plays a vital role in the wellbeing and development of the children, young people, and adults we support.

MAIN is a charity based in the heart of Middlesbrough, dedicated to supporting individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs. From the age of 5 and into adulthood, we provide a safe, understanding environment where individuals can thrive, learn, and connect with others.

Outdoor space is not just a luxury—it’s essential. It offers our young people the chance to explore, relax, and engage in sensory activities in a calm and secure setting. Thanks to NETA’s kindness, we’re one step closer to making this space even more welcoming, therapeutic, and private for everyone who uses it.

On behalf of everyone at MAIN, especially those who will directly benefit from this donation, thank you, Sean Johnston, Director and Brian Ward, Scaffold Centre Coordinator at NETA, for supporting our mission and helping us create better opportunities and brighter days for those we serve.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The MAIN Team

 

Parent / Carer Open Day May 20th May 2025 – 12 – 2pm 5 – 7pm

/in /by

You’re Invited! MAIN Open Day – Discover Our New Pathways to Independence

We are thrilled to invite all parents and carers to join us for a special Open Day at MAIN, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore our brand-new Pathways to Independence space.

Date: 20th May 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 2pm / 5pm – 7pm
Location: MAIN – TS3 6EN

Our Pathways to Independence is a fully adaptable and accessible learning environment designed to help young people build essential life skills with confidence and independence. From practicing daily living tasks to exploring vocational and social opportunities, the space has been thoughtfully developed to support every individual’s journey at their own pace.

During the Open Day, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Tour the new facility

  • Meet our experienced and supportive team

  • Learn about the personalised programmes we offer

  • Ask questions and get involved in shaping future activities

This is a great opportunity to see first-hand how MAIN is continuing to empower young people by creating inclusive and inspiring spaces that reflect real-life experiences.

Booking required – please email @ info@iammain.org.uk or call – 01642 608012

We can’t wait to welcome you.

 

Mental Health Week 2025

/in /by

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – We’re Here to Help

May 12–18, 2025

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and this year’s theme, ‘Community’ is one that truly resonates with us here at MAIN.

Being part of a supportive, understanding community is vital to mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a friendly conversation, access to shared resources, or simply knowing you’re not alone, community creates connection and connection is at the heart of recovery, resilience, and wellbeing.

At MAIN, we are proud to stand alongside individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. Our mission is to support people with neurodiverse conditions and mental health needs, and we believe in the power of community to uplift and empower. This week is a reminder that nobody should have to face their struggles in isolation.

We’re Here to Help.

Throughout this week and beyond, we are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and offering our support to those who need it most. Whether you’re seeking information, resources, or someone to talk to, MAIN is here for you.

Please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk to learn more about what we do and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s build a stronger, kinder, more connected community.
#togetherraisingsmiles

 

VE Day Celebrations 1945 – 2025

/in /by

MAIN had a fantastic turnout to celebrate the heroic men and women who fought valiantly for our futures, we welcomed our neighbours from Pennyman House and Elizabeth House and many of our local community, all coming together to say thank you and to mark the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII; in one of the pictures there are names highlighted our blackboard, they represent all of the veterans who lived in North Ormesby and who lost their lives, fighting for our freedom.

 

 

Mental Health Week 2025

/in /by

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – We’re Here to Help

May 12–18, 2025

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and this year’s theme, ‘Community’ is one that truly resonates with us here at MAIN.

Being part of a supportive, understanding community is vital to mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a friendly conversation, access to shared resources, or simply knowing you’re not alone, community creates connection and connection is at the heart of recovery, resilience, and wellbeing.

At MAIN, we are proud to stand alongside individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. Our mission is to support people with neurodiverse conditions and mental health needs, and we believe in the power of community to uplift and empower. This week is a reminder that nobody should have to face their struggles in isolation.

We’re Here to Help.

Throughout this week and beyond, we are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and offering our support to those who need it most. Whether you’re seeking information, resources, or someone to talk to, MAIN is here for you.

Please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk to learn more about what we do and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s build a stronger, kinder, more connected community.
#togetherraisingsmiles

 

Photo of new minibus

MAIN are proud to share our new MINIBUS

/in /by

MAIN are proud to share our new MINIBUS

 

We’re excited to announce that MAIN has a brand new minibus, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!  Thanks to the incredible support of Awards for All, the National Lottery Fund, and our fantastic community, this new vehicle will make a world of difference to the people we support.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Trust Ford, whose kindness and generosity made this possible. Their contribution means we can continue providing vital transport services to those who rely on us. A special thank you also goes to Mick from The Procurement Partnership (TPPL) for helping to connect all the dots and making this a reality.

The feedback from our children has been awesome! They’re absolutely loving the new minibus, and we’re hearing how much they enjoy the comfortable rides and the exciting features, such as above head storage racks and WIFI connectivity.

This minibus isn’t just a new vehicle—it’s a symbol of the power of community, collaboration, and the impact of generous donations. Whether it’s helping our young people attend events, access services, or simply enjoy a day out, this new addition is going to make a huge difference.

Thank you to everyone who made this happen. We’re looking forwards, to the many journeys ahead!

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

#autismmatters

#neurodiversitymatters

 

To find out more about MAIN and our services please contact us here 

Thank you

/in , /by

As my internship at MAIN comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredibly rewarding experience I’ve had over the past few months. It’s been a time of personal and professional growth, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute and learn alongside such an inspiring team.

During my time as an Administrative and Marketing Intern, I had the privilege of gaining a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of both the administrative and marketing departments. From organising schedules and assisting with social media campaigns to learning about the strategic aspects of non-profit management, every day brought new insights and challenges.

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was the chance to work closely with Kimberley and Max, one of the trustees. Their mentorship and guidance were invaluable. They always took the time to answer questions, provide feedback, and share their expertise. Their approachability and willingness to help made it easy to feel supported throughout my internship.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the management team for covering my travel expenses during the internship. This gesture allowed me to focus entirely on the experience and truly immerse myself in the work.

The environment at MAIN is unique in its commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and care for children with special abilities. Being part of such a compassionate and driven team has broadened my perspective on the non-profit sector and inspired me to continue pursuing a career in this field. I’ve witnessed first hand how a community can come together to make a real difference in the lives of others, and that’s something I will carry with me throughout my career.

In closing, I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone at MAIN for making this internship an unforgettable experience. The skills, knowledge, and friendships I’ve gained will stay with me as I move forward in my career. I’m excited to stay in touch and I hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

Thank you once again, and I wish the entire team at MAIN continued success in all the amazing work they do.

Intern, Teesside University, Middlesbrough

 

To find out more about our internships and volunteering opportunities, please email info@iammain.org.uk