Tag Archive for: Community

Thank You, Henry – for Being a Star in Our Fundraising Challenge

At MAIN, we believe that every child and young person should have access to a space where they feel safe, calm, and truly understood.

That’s why we’re raising funds to create a Quiet Room, a peaceful sanctuary for those moments when the world becomes overwhelming.

But turning this vision into reality takes incredible people. That’s where Henry comes in.

Henry is more than just a fundraiser, he’s an inspiration. As a young autistic person who attends our Thursday Afterschool Club, Henry understands just how important it is to have a space to re-regulate, to breathe, and to feel secure. And now, he’s doing something extraordinary to help others find that same sense of calm.

His energy, compassion, and determination are helping us move closer to building the Quiet Room, one step, one donation, one moment at a time.

Henry, we can’t thank you enough.
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for using your voice to speak up for others.
Thank you for showing everyone what true community and courage look like.

With your help, we’re creating more than a room, we’re creating possibility. A space where anxiety can ease, senses can settle, and young people can find the calm they need.

To everyone reading:
Let’s rally behind Henry. Let’s support his incredible efforts and bring this Quiet Room to life. Every donation, every share, every show of support makes a real difference.

Please donate to Henry’s #GoFundMePage

Let’s make this happen, for Henry, for our children and young people, and for a future that embraces every individual with understanding and care.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The MAIN Team.

Henry


Read more about MAIN’s mission to raise funds for the new Quiet Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urgent funds needed for ‘vital’ safe space in Middlesbrough

Urgent funds needed for ‘vital’ safe space in Middlesbrough

It will be a quiet room for children in heightened emotional states

People in Teesside are being urged to help create a safe quiet space for children in heightened emotional states.

Middlesbrough-based charity MAIN, which supports children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability or complex needs, urgently needs £25,000 to build the room.

 


Read the full article on the Hits Radio website

MAIN-CEO-Heather-Whyman-is-hoping-to-transform-storeroom-to-Quiet-Room.-Photo-by-Dawn-McNamara-scaled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Karen Liu. Photo ©Dawn McNamara.

VE Day Celebrations 1945 – 2025

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.

 

 

March 2025 -Autism & Mental Health Bookable 1:1

Here to Help

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 March, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

Monday 3rd March: 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 5th March: 2pm-4pm
Wednesday 12th March: 1pm-3pm
Friday 14th March: 10pm-12pm
Friday 21st March: 1pm-3pm
Monday 24th March: 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 26th March: 1pm-3pm
Friday 28th March: 10am-12pm

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

Showstoppers Spread Love and Joy at the Care Home

Showstoppers Spread Love and Joy at the Care Home

Over the past couple of weeks, the Showstoppers have been hard at work practicing a dance to “Love Is All I Can Give to You” and a song to “Dancing Queen” in preparation for their performance at the care home. Their dedication and enthusiasm truly shone through during their visit.

In addition to their performances, the Showstoppers made heartfelt Valentine’s cards with personalized messages for the residents and staff. The entire group did an amazing job, displaying confidence and warmth as they greeted everyone with cuddles and conversations. They were respectful and kind to all the staff, making the visit even more special.

A highlight of the visit was reconnecting with their favourite resident, Carol, from their last visit. The Showstoppers made an extra effort to chat with her and see how she’s been, which brought smiles all around.

To say we are proud of the Showstoppers is an understatement. Their hard work and kindness have made a significant impact, and to celebrate their achievements, we will be having a movie night and takeaway next week to show them just how amazing they are.

Stay tuned for more updates on our wonderful Showstoppers and their inspiring activities!

 


 For more information about our Showstoppers group please look here

MAIN Completes First Aid at Work Training with FR Safety and Training

MAIN Completes First Aid at Work Training with FR Safety and Training

At MAIN, we take the health and safety of our staff and clients very seriously. That’s why we recently completed a comprehensive First Aid at Work training session with FR Safety and Training.

Our team learned essential skills, including CPR, to ensure we are prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. This training is a crucial part of our commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone at MAIN.

Check out some photos of our dedicated staff in action, practicing their CPR techniques and other first aid skills. We’re proud of their hard work and dedication to keeping our community safe.

Thank you to FR Safety and Training for providing such valuable training. Together, we are making MAIN a safer place for all.

 

Staff learning first aid at work and doing practical

 


 

February 2025 -Autism & Mental Health Bookable 1:1

Here to Help

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 February, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

Monday 3rd Feb – 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 5th Feb 1pm-3pm
Monday 10th  Feb 1pm-3pm
Friday 14th Feb 1pm-2pm
Monday 17th Feb 10am-12 noon
Wednesday 19th Feb -10am-12 noon
Friday 21st Feb -1pm-2pm
Monday 24th – 10am -12 noon
Friday 28th Feb – 10am-12 noon

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

January 2025 -Mental Health Bookable 1:1 Sessions

Here to Help

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 January, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

3rd January- 10am-2pm

10th January- 10am-12

13th January- 12:30-2:30pm

15th January 1pm-2pm

20th January 10am-12

22nd January 1pm-3pm

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

MAIN’s Open Day – How it went

MAIN’s Pre-Launch Event: A Sneak Peek into Our Services

We were thrilled to welcome many professionals, parents, and carers to our recent pre-launch event at MAIN. It was a wonderful opportunity to explain all about our services and give everyone a sneak peek ahead of our official launch.

The event was a great success, with attendees getting a first hand look at what our Charity does. It was heart warming to see so many people come together to learn about our mission and the support we offer. The day was also a fantastic opportunity for networking, allowing everyone to connect and share their experiences.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and made the event so special. Your presence and interest in our work mean the world to us.

Please enjoy some photos from the day:

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our official launch!


 

Celebrating Wayne’s Internship at MAIN

Appreciating Wayne’s Art Therapy Internship at MAIN

 

We are delighted to express our heartfelt appreciation for Wayne, who is currently completing his art therapy internship with us at MAIN. Wayne has been an incredible asset to our Adult group sessions, seamlessly integrating with our clients and helping them create some truly wonderful art pieces.

Wayne’s dedication and support have not gone unnoticed. His ability to connect with our clients and foster a creative and therapeutic environment has been invaluable. The art pieces created under his guidance are a testament to his talent and commitment.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Wayne for his hard work and the positive impact he has made during his internship. His contributions have enriched our sessions and brought joy to our clients.

I am currently a Master’s student in Fine Arts at Teesside University. I am originally from Myanmar (Burma), and my full name is Wai Yan Min Thant, though I go by Wayne for simplicity. I am 26 years old and have always been passionate about the arts, especially painting and creative expression.
Volunteering at MAIN was an opportunity I eagerly embraced because of my interest in using art as a way to help and connect with others. As a Fine Artist, I have always viewed art as a powerful tool for communication and self-expression. Working at MAIN has allowed me to explore this idea further by engaging directly with children and adults who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities. I wanted to contribute my skills to an organization that supports these individuals and fosters inclusion and wellbeing.
From this experience, I have gained so much. It has enhanced my understanding of art therapy, improved my communication and collaboration skills, and given me a deeper appreciation of the challenges and strengths of the people I have worked with. This experience has also been invaluable for my Master’s studies, as it has expanded my creative practice and helped me see how art can be used in a therapeutic and supportive context.
Thank you again for the opportunity to volunteer and for all the support I’ve received at MAIN. If you need any more details or further information, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Best regards,
Wayne

Thank you, Wayne, for your dedication and support. We are grateful to have you as part of the MAIN family and look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will achieve in your future career.


If you are interested in volunteering at MAIN please get in touch by emailing us or calling on 01642 608012