Tag Archive for: Event

Splash Project coming to MAIN

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🎉 Something Very Special Is Coming to MAIN!

We are incredibly excited to share some very special news with our Friends of MAIN, families, supporters and wider community…

🌟 MAIN is getting a brand-new play area!

This October, a fantastic new play space will be created at MAIN, giving the children and young people we support a dedicated place to play, explore, have fun, build friendships and simply be themselves.

The new play area will be created specifically to provide an exciting, welcoming and inclusive space for our young people, somewhere they can enjoy new experiences, spend time with friends and make memories together.

And this is where the story behind this very special project begins…

🤝 Connecting businesses with communities

Splash Projects connects businesses and business schools with communities through purposeful social-impact projects, bringing together professional skills, resources and volunteers to create something that delivers a lasting benefit to the people who use it. Splash Projects delivers projects internationally and has worked with communities throughout the world.

MAIN has been selected as a recipient in the Northeast of England, meaning that our young people will benefit directly from this incredible community project.

The project brings together the expertise, resources and people needed to transform our outdoor space into something special.

🛠️ A project made possible through partnership

The play area is being delivered through Splash Projects, with corporate partners and volunteers coming together to create a lasting social impact.

We are particularly grateful to CBRE for being involved in making this opportunity possible. CBRE is a global commercial real estate organisation operating across more than 100 countries, and its involvement demonstrates how businesses can use their skills, people and resources to create positive outcomes within communities.

The project will also involve an incredible team of volunteers, including retired Armed Forces veterans, who will bring their time, skills and experience to the build.

❤️ What this means for MAIN

For us, this isn’t simply a new play area.

It is a new space for our young people to laugh, play, explore, socialise and create memories.

MAIN supports children and young people from 5 upwards, who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability and/or complex needs, with a vision centred around inclusion, empowerment and helping every individual reach their full potential.

We are incredibly proud that MAIN has been chosen for this project and hugely grateful to everyone who is making it happen.

📅 When is it happening?

Work will begin on Monday 19 October 2026, with the Splash Projects volunteers working throughout the week.

Then, on Friday 23 October at 4:30pm, we’ll officially unveil the finished play area with our Grand Opening! 🎉

🎉 Come and celebrate with us!

We would love our Friends of MAIN, families, supporters and community partners to join us as we celebrate this very special moment.

📅 Friday 23 October 2026
⏰ From 4:30pm
📍 MAIN – The Finlay Cooper Centre, TS3 6EN

Come and see the new play area, meet some of the amazing people who have made it possible and, most importantly, celebrate what this will mean for the children and young people who use MAIN.

A huge THANK YOU to Splash Projects, CBRE, the volunteers and everyone involved in bringing this incredible project to MAIN.

Together, we’re creating a space where our young people can play, connect, belong and raise even more smiles. 💙

#TogetherRaisingSmiles #MAIN #SplashProjects #CBRE #Community #Inclusion #Autism #Neurodiversity #LearningDisability #SocialImpact #MakingADifference

A Huge Well Done to Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

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A Huge Well Done to Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

A huge congratulations to Nicola, Billy and Chloe on completing the Middlesbrough 10K! What an achievement! 👏

We’re especially proud of our amazing staff member Nicola, who took on the challenge to help raise awareness and funds for MAIN. Her commitment, determination and support mean so much to us, and we’re incredibly grateful that she chose to represent MAIN through the event. 💙

We’d also like to say a massive well done to Billy and Chloe for completing the 10K. We hope you’re all feeling very proud of yourselves!

And, of course, a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Middlesbrough 10K, especially those who ran to raise money and awareness for charities and causes close to their hearts. Your support, fundraising and dedication make such a difference, and we really appreciate everything you do. 💙

From all of us at MAIN — well done, Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏅🎉

#Middlesbrough10K #MAIN #CharityFundraising #WellDone #TeamMAIN #CommunitySupport

#togetherraisingsmiles

What an Amazing FUNraiser! 🎉

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What an Amazing FUNraiser! 🎉

What a fantastic day we had at The Jovial Monk for our recent FUNraiser in support of MAIN!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who came along, supported us, donated, volunteered and got involved, we are delighted to announce that we raised an amazing £791.26 for MAIN! ❤️

The event was a brilliant example of what can happen when our local community comes together. There was a fantastic turnout, a wonderful atmosphere and so much support for the work we do with children, young people and families.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success:

🍕 aMAYzing Pizza – thank you for helping keep everyone well fed!

🏍️ Road Kraken MCC – thank you for your fantastic support and for helping create such a great atmosphere.

🧤 North Ormesby History Group – a very special thank you for coming along in advance and litter picking the area. Your support and care for the local community made a real difference.

And, of course, thank you to every single person who attended. Whether you donated, bought something, enjoyed the food, joined in the fun, or simply came along to show your support, you helped us raise vital funds for MAIN.

We are incredibly grateful to The Jovial Monk for hosting us and to everyone who played a part in making the event such a success.

Most importantly, the £791.26 raised will help MAIN continue supporting children, young people and families across our community.

This is what community is all about – people coming together, having fun and making a difference. 💙

Thank you all for your amazing support!

#MAIN #FUNdraiser #Community #Middlesbrough #NorthOrmesby #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #Fundraising

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

Jovial Monk Fundraiser Event for MAIN 30th August 2026

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The Jovial Monk Fundraiser for MAIN – Saturday 30th August

We’re delighted to announce that The Jovial Monk will be hosting a fundraising day in support of MAIN on Saturday 30th August, starting from 11:00am.

Join us for a fantastic community event packed with entertainment, family fun, and plenty of opportunities to support a great cause. Every pound raised will help MAIN continue providing vital support to autistic children, young people, adults, and their families across our community.

The day will feature a sponsored motorbike ride led by Road Krakens MCC, along with a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy, including:

  • Food stalls
  • Games for all ages
  • Live music
  • Family-friendly activities
  • And plenty more surprises throughout the day!

Whether you’re coming along for the bikes, the entertainment, or simply to show your support, there’s something for everyone. Bring your family and friends and help us make it a day to remember while raising vital funds for MAIN.

Date: Saturday 30th August
Time: From 11:00am onwards
Venue: The Jovial Monk

We can’t wait to see you there and thank you for supporting MAIN! 💙

Exciting Updates at MAIN

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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

 

 

Christmas Tips for our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

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Christmas Tips for Our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

Christmas can be magical… and a little overwhelming sometimes.  Here are some gentle ideas to make it easier and more enjoyable:

✨ Take it slow
No need to dive straight into the Christmas chaos. Add decorations or try festive activities gradually—one small thing at a time can make a big difference.

Plan what feels good
Knowing what’s happening and who will be there can make things calmer. Think about meals, events, or quiet time for yourself.  Your plan can be as simple or detailed as you like.

Look after yourself

Bring comfort items: earplugs, fidget toys, or a cosy hoodie.

Have snacks you like, festive food doesn’t have to be tricky.

Take breaks whenever you need.

Presents your way
Make a wish-list for yourself, and keep a simple list of gifts you want to give. No pressure—just a little help so everyone knows what makes you happy.

Create your own traditions
Your Christmas can be anything you want—your meal, your decorations, your activities. You don’t have to do it the “usual way.”

Feeling lonely? That’s okay too

Treat yourself to your favourite food, film, or creative project.

Call or video chat with friends or family.

Volunteer or join a community event if you want to meet people.

Join our MAIN Chat Group!
Our next online session is 17th December. Email us if you’d like joining instructions info@iammain.org.uk – we’d love you to be part of our group!

Remember: Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful or “perfect.” You can make it calm, joyful, and totally yours.

The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy – Time to Deliver

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Let’s hope this actually does what it says on the tin, real, meaningful support for our autistic & neurodiverse community.

The House of Lords committee has just published their report “Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy”, calling for urgent, concrete action.

They highlight that more than 200,000 people are currently waiting for autism assessments.

They’re demanding a costed, deliverable plan for the next strategy (which needs to launch by July 2026) with real accountability.

They also stress the need for meaningful involvement of autistic people in every stage of designing and delivering this strategy.
UK Parliament Committees

Training must be expanded for public-facing staff, and there must be better support for autistic people in the criminal justice system.
UK Parliament Committees

Why this matters:
For too long, policy has been made for autistic people not with them. According to the report, successive governments have failed to deliver on real change. This isn’t just about “nice words” it’s about building a system that works, assessment, support, employment, health, justice all of it.

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/770/autism-act-2009-committee/news/210570/autism-act-committee-report-publication/

Thank you Stockton City The Smoggies Football Club

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A Huge Thank You from MAIN!

This weekend, MAIN Charity, which supports autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled and complex needs individuals from 5 years upwards, were honoured to be welcomed to a fantastic charity football match organised by Dalton Storey, a young man who truly shines with enthusiasm and care for his community. ⚽

Congratulations to Stockton City ‘The Smoggies’ for winning the game, and a massive thank you to everyone who came along and helped raise £225.95 from ticket sales on the door!

But Dalton didn’t stop there, he also organised a brilliant Race Night at The Moline Cross, raising a further £100,00, to support our amazing charity.

Special thanks also go to:
Linda Dickinson, Interim Chair and Trustee, who came along in support
My lovely granddaughter Laila, who braved the weather to cheer on the teams
Leanne and Tracey for attending the Race Night and showing their support

It’s heart warming to see such great people coming together with love and dedication to support MAIN.

#ThankYou #CommunitySpirit #CharitySupport #Neurodiversity #TeamMAIN #Fundraising #TogetherRaisingSmiles

Enjoying Guy Fawkes Safely

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Guy Fawkes Night –

Tips for Our Neurodiverse Community

 

It’s nearly Guy Fawkes Night!
This means there will be fireworks, loud bangs, bright lights, and crowds.

Some people find fireworks fun and exciting
Others might find them loud, bright, or scary
All feelings are OK

 

Here are some ideas to help you feel safe and calm:

Protect your ears
Fireworks can be very loud.
You can wear ear defenders, headphones, or earplugs.

 

Look after your eyes
If bright lights bother you, try wearing sunglasses or stay where it’s darker.

 

Stay in a safe space
You don’t have to go outside.
You can stay indoors, watch from a window, or do something else you enjoy.

 

Plan ahead
Find out when fireworks will happen near you.
Knowing what to expect can make it easier.

 

Tell someone how you feel
You can say, “The noise makes me uncomfortable.”
Friends, family, or support staff can help you find what works best.

 

Look after pets too
Animals can also get scared, close windows and curtains to help them feel safe.

 

Use calming tools
Try deep breathing, fidget toys, weighted blankets, or calming music.

 

 

❤️ Remember: You don’t have to join in.
It’s OK to do what feels right for you.

 

Let’s make this Guy Fawkes Night safe, calm, and comfortable for everyone

Image with green heart in caring hand saying here to help

March 2025 -Autism & Mental Health Bookable 1:1

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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