Tag Archive for: Communication

Teesside Family Foundation Short List – Please Vote for MAIN

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Help Us Bring £25,000 to MAIN – Your Vote Can Change Lives

We’re incredibly proud to share that MAIN has been shortlisted for the £25,000 “Together for Teesside” giveaway, run by the Teesside Family Foundation 💙

This amazing initiative supports local charities making a real difference across Teesside, and now, thanks to you, we’re in with a chance of securing vital funding.

But we need your help.

💙 Why This Matters

At MAIN, we support neurodiverse children, young people, and their families across Teesside. Every day, we see the difference the right environment and support can make.

Right now, we’re working to create more safe spaces in our purpose built building alongside developing our Alternate Education offer, as we know first hand how difficult some of our children find a school environment whether that is a SEND provision or mainstream.

🏆 About the £25,000 Giveaway

The “Together for Teesside” campaign is all about celebrating and supporting local causes. After public nominations, shortlisted organisations (like us!) rely on community votes to move forward.

The top charities will go on to a live final, and every finalist receives a share of the £25,000 fund.

So every single vote really does count.

🙌 How You Can Help

It’s simple—and it takes less than a minute:

👉 Vote for MAIN
(9) Facebook

(If the link doesn’t open directly, head to our social pages where you’ll find the voting link pinned!)

💬 Every Vote = Real Impact

By voting for MAIN, you’re helping us:

  • Create safe spaces for vulnerable children
  • Support families across Teesside
  • Continue delivering vital services to those who need them most

This is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to bring meaningful change to our community.

💙 Let’s Do This Together

If you’ve ever supported MAIN, worked with us, or believe in what we do, please take a moment to vote—and share this with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Together, we can make this happen.

#TogetherForTeesside #VoteMAIN #CommunitySupport #MakingADifference

ATF Supplies Logo

A Heartfelt Thank You to ATF Supplies

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A Heartfelt Thank You to ATF Supplies

At MAIN, we are privileged to work with incredible partners who go above and beyond to support our community. Over the past year, ATF Supplies, John, Marc, Emily, and the entire team, have shown exceptional care, compassion, and generosity, and we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks.

From the very beginning, ATF Supplies demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of our autistic, neurodiverse, and learning disability community. Their practical support has been invaluable. They supplied the ironmongery free of charge, assisted with our fob entry system, and even allowed flexibility in repayment. This generosity eased financial pressures at a critical time and ensured that our services continued uninterrupted.

Beyond the practical support, it has been their kindness, care, and ongoing willingness to help that has touched us all. The commitment of John, Marc, Emily, and the team made this project possible, and their contribution has had a lasting, meaningful impact on the people we support.

Thanks to ATF Supplies, we are one step closer to our vision of greater independence and opportunity for all. We are proud to have worked alongside them and deeply grateful for everything they have done for MAIN and our community.

From Heather, our trustees, staff, and the people we support—thank you. Your generosity and commitment mean the world to us.

Redcar Rangers in Action for Charity

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Redcar Rangers coaches and chair are taking on the Hard Moors 55 on 21st March 2026, running from Guisborough Rugby Club to Helmsley!

Three team members are pushing themselves across this challenging course to raise funds for MAIN. 💛

We’d love your support!

Keep an eye out for fundraising details from John (Milky) to follow, every contribution counts! 🙌

Let’s show our Redcar Rangers spirit and help make a difference! ⚡

#RedcarRangers #HardMoors55 #CharityRun #Fundraising #CommunitySpirit #togetherraisingsmiles

The Hardmoors 55 is a 55 mile Ultramarathon running from Guisborough to Helmsley. The 55 mile race will take competitors through the North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills in quite possibly winter conditions. Do not underestimate this race!! The race contains over 2000metres of ascent and has a time limit of 16 hours.

Please follow the link if you are able to donate to this worthwhile challenge, supporting two amazing charities.

Hello! I’m raising £750 to Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation & Main Together Raising Smiles an autism charity. Here’s my JustGiving page, if you’d like to donate, please head to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-morrill?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=WA

The race will start in Guisborough at the Rugby Club on Belmangate and finish at Helmsley Sports Club

Every child deserves the best possible education — SEND reform must help make that a reality.

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Response to the Government’s SEND Reform Announcement

The Government published its long-awaited reforms to the SEND system. As a local charity supporting autistic, neurodiverse and learning disabled children and their families, MAIN recognises that change can bring both opportunity and uncertainty.

For many of the families we work alongside, uncertainty is not a small matter. Our parents and carers are already exhausted, navigating complex systems, advocating tirelessly for their children, and often fighting prolonged battles simply to secure the support that is legally required. Any proposed changes to the SEND framework will understandably increase anxiety for families who are already stretched beyond capacity.

We urge policymakers to carefully consider their audience before implementing reforms. Behind every policy decision are real children and real families who depend on stability, clarity and trust in the system designed to support them.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are not a luxury. They are not an optional extra. They are a legal entitlement, a statutory protection that ensures children and young people with additional needs receive the support necessary to access education safely, meaningfully and equitably.

Our children deserve the best possible education, one that recognises their strengths, meets their needs, and enables them to thrive. Their families deserve to be heard, respected, and meaningfully involved in any changes that affect them.

We call on the Government to:

Engage openly and transparently with families and frontline organisations.

Protect the legal rights and statutory protections currently afforded to children and young people with SEND.

Ensure that reforms strengthen, not weaken, accountability and access to support.

Prioritise early intervention and adequately funded services so families are not left in crisis.

Change must not come at the cost of children’s rights or families’ wellbeing. We stand ready to work constructively with decision-makers to ensure reforms deliver genuine improvement rather than additional barriers.

Our families deserve certainty.
Our children deserve opportunity.
Their rights must remain protected.

Win a FREE Personal Assistant (PA) Session at MAIN!

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🌟 Win a FREE Personal Assistant (PA) Session at MAIN! 🌟

Sophie, a dedicated member of the MAIN team 💙, is raising funds to gift one lucky family a FREE Personal Support (PA) session at MAIN!

Our PA sessions are fully tailored to your child’s individual interests, strengths and preferences, delivering meaningful, person-centred support for autistic and neurodiverse children and young people, including those with learning disabilities.

🎉 One family will receive a session completely free of charge!

📅 The session will take place during the Easter holidays:
Friday 3 April 2026 – Friday 17 April 2026

⏳ Closing date for entries: 31st March 2026

To support Sophie’s fundraiser, you can:
💷 Drop off a cash donation at MAIN
🔗 Donate online via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2dd9bb782

To ensure complete transparency and fairness, the winner will be selected using a random number generator and the draw will be live streamed.

To enter your child into the draw:
📧 Email: snandrews@iammain.org.uk

📱 Text: 07736 925252
(Please include your child’s name)

Thank you for supporting Sophie and MAIN — and the very best of luck to everyone entering! 🍀💙

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

At MAIN, we believe in YOUR ability

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MAIN are seeking dedicated, caring individuals to join our team, as Personal Assistants either within our clubs / groups or supporting young people in the community, offering flexible hours that suit your lifestyle, alongside great opportunities for growth and development.

Remuneration – National Minimum Mage (NMS)
Weekend work is a requirement

MAIN – Empowering Difference, Inspiring Inclusion

Who We Are
MAIN exists to empower autistic and neurodivergent children, young people, and their families to reach their full potential.
We believe every individual deserves to be understood, celebrated, and included, not just supported. For over 23 years, MAIN has worked alongside children, young people, and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, awaiting diagnosis, or have a learning disability or complex need.  We focus on abilities, not labels, helping people grow in confidence, build life skills, and experience genuine belonging in their communities. What We Do –

  • MAIN offers a wide range of personalised, centre and community-based support designed to empower individuals and families:
    One-to-One Support: Tailored sessions that help children and young people build independence and confidence in real-world settings.
  • Activity & Social Groups: Fun, inclusive clubs including Adventurers, Explorers, Tweens & Teens, and Youth Groups, and much more; where friendships, confidence, and new experiences grow.
  • Advice & Guidance: Compassionate, practical support to help families navigate education, diagnosis, and daily life.
  • 16+transition
  • Adult Day Service – providing a welcoming and nurturing provision of support that is focused, practical and above all FUN!

    • Our Vision
    A world where everyone, regardless of neurotype or ability,  is empowered to reach their full potential, embraced for their uniqueness, and included fully in all aspects of society.

    Our Promise
    At MAIN, we see the person first.
    We work alongside you, not around you.
    Together, we build the confidence, skills, and connections that help every individual and every family thrive.

    Please contact MAIN by sending an email to serviceteam@iammain.org.uk; or complete the enquiry form online.

    Thank you

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    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