Tag Archive for: Complex Needs

Blessed and Thankful to KSB Greenhouse UK

/in , /by

🌱 A Huge Thank You to KSB Greenhouse UK for Their Incredible Support

We are absolutely delighted to share our sincere thanks to KSB Greenhouse UK for their kindness, generosity, and support towards MAIN.

Thanks to their incredible help, we now have a newly installed 3m x 4m Signa Lux polytunnel, which would normally cost upwards of £1,500 installed. Through their generosity, we have been able to access this at less than half the usual cost, and we are truly grateful for this outstanding support.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the amazing installation team, who did a fantastic job. The polytunnel is secure, high-quality, and already looking like it will make a real and lasting difference to our charity. Your professionalism and care throughout the installation process have been greatly appreciated.

This new space opens up so many exciting opportunities for us at MAIN. We are now able to take another step forward in our vision of “soil to plate” learning, where our young people, aged 5 years and upwards, can actively engage with growing, harvesting, and cooking their own produce.

From tomatoes and herbs to runner beans climbing our wigwam supports, this hands-on approach will encourage learning in unique and meaningful ways. It will help the people we support to build confidence, develop life skills, and connect with nature in a therapeutic and inclusive environment.

At MAIN, we proudly support autistic and neurodiverse individuals, as well as people living with mental health challenges, disabilities, and complex needs. Opportunities like this help us to continue creating accessible, engaging experiences that make a real difference in people’s lives.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Emma and Gary, whose encouragement and connection helped make this possible. Your kindness and community spirit are deeply appreciated, great friends doing great things locally.

From all of us at MAIN, thank you to everyone involved for helping us grow, both literally and figuratively. 💚

Carers Week Logo

Carers Week 2026: Celebrating the People Who Care Every Day

/in /by

Carers Week 2026: Celebrating the People Who Care Every Day

From 8th–14th June 2026, we proudly recognise Carers Week—a time to shine a light on the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of carers everywhere.

At our charity, this week is especially meaningful. Every day, we work alongside carers who support children and individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent, awaiting diagnosis, or living with learning disabilities and complex needs. Their role is vital—and we believe it deserves to be seen, valued, and supported.

Our Vision

Our mission is to develop new ways of supporting and encouraging those we work with, while building a world where:

  • Everyone is empowered to reach their full potential
  • Individual uniqueness is recognised and celebrated
  •  Inclusion exists in every part of society

Carers are a huge part of making this vision a reality.

Supporting Carers in Real Life—Not Just in Words

We understand that being a carer can be rewarding, but also demanding, emotional, and at times overwhelming. Advice like “take time for yourself” can feel unrealistic when your time is already stretched thin.

That’s why, this Carers Week, we are highlighting something simple but powerful:

Small Moments Matter

In our website resource centre, we’ve created 5 top tips designed specifically for carers, all focused on taking just 5–10 minutes out of your day.

These are practical, achievable ideas that help you:

  • Reset your mind
  • Find small pockets of calm
  • Recharge without pressure

Because self-care shouldn’t feel like another task—it should feel possible.

Visit our resource centre to explore these tips and find what works for you.

Caring for Our Team, Too

Carers don’t only exist at home—many of them are also part of our workforce. Our staff work tirelessly, often going above and beyond to support others.

This Carers Week, we’re also celebrating the importance of connection, communication, and joy within our teams.

The Golden Duck Challenge

To bring some lightness to busy days, we’ve introduced a simple but fun initiative in our neutral zones:
A quick game of rock, paper, scissors.

The prize? The much-loved Golden Duck

It may be small, but it creates:

  • Moments of laughter
  • Opportunities to connect
  • A chance to pause and reset

Because even a brief moment of joy can make a big difference—especially in roles that give so much to others.

Our Values in Action

Everything we do during Carers Week—and beyond—is guided by our core values:

  • Making a lasting and positive impact
  • Being inclusive, valuing every voice
  • Recognising and celebrating uniqueness
  • Working collaboratively
  • Being honest, authentic, and accountable

These values help us support not just the individuals we care for, but the carers who stand alongside them.

Thank You to All Carers

This week, and every week, we want to say:

Thank you

Thank you for your patience, your strength, your compassion, and your commitment. The difference you make every day cannot be overstated.

Hallway Rock paper scissors

Hallway Rock paper scissors

Rock Paper scissors before afterschool club

Rock Paper scissors before afterschool club

Rock paper scissors Pathway centre

Rock paper scissors Pathway centre

This Carers Week, we encourage everyone to pause—even for a few minutes—and reflect on the importance of care, connection, and community.

Celebrating Linda Dickinson’s Incredible 25 Years of Dedication to MAIN

/in /by

Celebrating Linda Dickinson’s Incredible 25 Years of Dedication to MAIN

Everyone at MAIN would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our much-valued Trustee, Linda Dickinson, as she retires after an incredible 25 years of dedication and support.

Linda has been part of MAIN since the very beginning, playing an instrumental role in helping shape the organisation into the specialist charity it is today. Through her unwavering commitment, compassion, and belief in our mission, Linda has helped MAIN grow to support autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled, and complex needs children, young people, and adults through our short breaks provision and wider services.

Over the past 25 years, countless families have benefited from Linda’s care, encouragement, and advocacy. Her wisdom and understanding have had a lasting impact not only on the individuals and families we support, but also on staff, volunteers, and fellow trustees across the organisation.

Linda has always brought kindness, warmth, humour, and positivity into every room she enters. Her ability to support others with genuine compassion while championing the values of MAIN has made her an irreplaceable part of our journey.

Trustees are often the quiet strength behind charities, and Linda has been exactly that for MAIN, offering guidance, reassurance, and unwavering belief from our inception through to where we are today.

As Linda begins her retirement, we want to say how truly well deserved it is. After 25 years of support and helping countless families, her legacy within MAIN and the wider community will continue for many years to come.

Thank you, Linda 💙

With love and appreciation from everyone at MAIN.

Lucy PA photo

MAIN’s PA Service Meet Lucy

/in /by

 

Hello, I am Lucy. I am 22 years old and I attend MAIN twice a week.

I love doing crafts at MAIN and enjoy going to the shops. I also like going bowling and playing crazy golf.

I spend time with Carrie, Aparna and Alima, who support me.

I feel very happy and jolly at MAIN!

Love heart art work

MAIN Open Day Drop in Sessions Spring/Autumn

/in /by

You’re Invited! MAIN Open Day –Come and Visit Us!

Join us for a calm, friendly drop‑in where you can:
✔ Explore our site
✔ Meet our staff team
✔ Learn more about our services and support
✔ Ask questions in a relaxed environment

📅 Date: Wednesday 24th June 

🕐 Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm

📅 Date: Wednesday 9th September 

🕐 Time: 10:00am-11:30am

📅 Date: Wednesday 11th November

🕐 Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm

📍 Location:

MAIN – The Finlay Cooper Centre
Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby
TS3 6EN

📞 Contact: 01642 608012

Everyone is welcome – we look forward to meeting you!

St Mary’s Cathedral, St Clare’s and St Francis supporting MAIN

/in /by

“Honoured to Be Chosen as a Charity of the Year 💙”

We’re incredibly grateful to share some wonderful news with our community 💙

MAIN has been chosen as one of the charities of the year by the Justice & Peace Group across the three parishes of St Mary’s Cathedral, St Clare’s Brookfield, and St Francis, Acklam.

After attending the recent meeting, we were truly touched by the warmth, kindness, and genuine care shown by everyone we met. It’s clear that these parish communities are built on compassion and a real desire to make a difference, and we feel so honoured to be part of that.

Thanks to the generosity of parishioners across all three churches, regular collections will be kindly donated to support our work over the next 12 months. This support will make a meaningful difference to the children, young people, and families we work with every day.

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the Justice & Peace Group, and everyone across the three parishes for choosing MAIN and believing in what we do. Your support truly means the world to us.

We’re really looking forward to building this relationship over the coming year and hopefully welcoming you to visit us soon.

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

 

we are hiring pa and outreach workers

Join MAIN be part of something AMAZING

/in /by

Join MAIN: Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you looking for a role where your work truly matters? At MAIN, we’re always looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our growing team, whether that’s in a paid position or as a valued member of our volunteer bureau.

MAIN supports children and young people from the age of 5 through to adulthood, delivering services at our Middlesbrough centre and out in the community. We work closely with families and carers to achieve the best possible outcomes, focusing on building life skills, confidence, and independence, while always keeping happiness at the heart of everything we do.

Our work spans a wide range of support, including autism, neurodiversity, learning disabilities, and complex needs. We offer short breaks, alternative education provision, adult day services, transition support into adulthood, and even online chat groups, creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone we work with.

There are many ways to get involved. You might work directly with children and young people, helping them grow and thrive. Or you could support behind the scenes in areas like administration, finance, marketing, or social media, each role playing a vital part in making our services possible.

By joining MAIN, you’re not just taking on a role, you’re becoming part of a community that is committed, compassionate, and driven to make a difference every single day.

If you want to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk or email info@iammain.org.uk to request an application form.

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

 

Exciting Updates at MAIN

/in , /by

Exciting Updates at MAIN

There’s lots happening at MAIN as we continue to develop and improve our space for the autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled community.

We are excited to share that our sunken trampoline has been delivered and will be installed on 22nd April, creating a safe and sensory-friendly space for movement, regulation, and fun.

Alongside this, our boiler replacements are underway, helping us improve comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency across the building.

Our community garden and allotment area is also taking shape, becoming a calm and welcoming outdoor space where people can connect with nature, learn new skills, and take part in meaningful activities.

We are incredibly proud of the progress being made and grateful for all the support we continue to receive. Every improvement helps us create a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging environment for everyone at MAIN.

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

 

Resilience Fund at its BEST

/in /by

This month marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for MAIN as we take a significant step forward in improving our facilities and reducing our environmental impact. We are proud to share that new solar panels and energy-efficient boilers are currently being installed across our site, an investment that will benefit both our community and the planet for years to come.

This progress has been made possible through the Resilience Fund, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous support we have received. A very big thank you goes to SIB and Groundworks for believing in our vision and helping make these vital upgrades a reality.

Through this funding, MAIN has been fortunate to secure 40% of the total project costs as a grant, along with access to a 10-year repayment plan at a fixed interest rate of 8.5%. This opportunity allows us to move forward sustainably without compromising the quality of support we provide to the individuals and families who rely on our services.

For those who may not know us, MAIN supports children and young people from the age of 5 through to adulthood who are autistic, neurodiverse, have learning disabilities, and/or complex needs. Every improvement we make to our facilities directly enhances the environment we offer—creating safer, more comfortable, and more inclusive spaces where individuals can thrive.

By investing in renewable energy and more efficient systems, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also ensuring that more of our resources can be directed toward what truly matters: supporting our community.

We are incredibly proud of this step forward and deeply thankful to everyone who has made it possible. To learn more about our work and the impact we strive to make every day, please visit www.iammain.org.uk.

Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future.

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

Teesside Family Foundation Short List – Please Vote for MAIN

/in /by
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