Tag Archive for: Fundraising

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. 💙

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

Join MAIN’s Board of Trustees

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Join MAIN’s Board of Trustees – Make a Difference for Neurodiverse Lives

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive world? Do you believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their neurodiversity, disability, or additional needs?

MAIN is looking for new trustees to join our Board, specifically individuals with backgrounds in Law, Human Resources, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) to help shape the future of our vital work.

Who We Are

MAIN is a charity dedicated to supporting autistic people, those who are neurodiverse, have learning disabilities, or additional and complex needs. Our services span from age 5 into adulthood, offering practical support, social opportunities, education, and advocacy to improve lives and remove barriers to inclusion.

From youth groups and life skills training to adult support services and family outreach, we’re here to help people be themselves, build confidence, and live more independently.

Why Become a Trustee?

Joining MAIN’s Board is more than a governance role, it’s an opportunity to transform lives.

As a trustee, you will:

  • Help steer the strategic direction of the charity

  • Ensure our services meet the needs of our community

  • Uphold our values of inclusion, respect, empowerment, and compassion

  • Offer your expertise to support good governance and ethical decision-making

  • Be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team driving real change

Who We’re Looking For

We’re especially interested in hearing from people with skills or professional experience in:

⚖️ Law

  • Governance and compliance

  • Charity law or safeguarding knowledge

  • Risk management

‍ Human Resources (HR)

  • Recruitment, retention, and workforce wellbeing

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

  • Organisational development

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

  • Experience in education, EHCP processes, or local authority work

  • First-hand understanding of the challenges faced by families and young people

  • A passion for supporting learning and development in neurodiverse individuals

We are also keen to reflect the diversity of the people we support, and warmly welcome applications from those with lived experience of autism, neurodiversity, or disability.

If you’re interested, please email hwhyman@iammain.org.uk in the first instance with a brief introduction about yourself.

Christmas Community Magic

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MAIN’s Christmas Fayre – Let’s Make It Magical!  November 29th 11 – 3pm

Across 3 amazing venues –

  • MAIN – Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby TS3 6EN
  • Elizabeth House – Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, TS3 6HE
  • Pennyman House – James Street, North Ormesby, TS3 6LB

This Christmas, MAIN is celebrating all that is good by bringing our community together for a heart-warming Christmas Fayre – and we’d love your help to make it extra special!

MAIN supports children from age 5 into adulthood who are autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled, and/or have complex needs. This year, we’re proudly partnering with Pennyman House – sheltered accommodation for those aged 55+ – and Elizabeth House, a care home supporting older people and those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Together, we’re creating a festive event full of joy, laughter, and community spirit – and we need your support!

✨ Can you donate a tombola prize? ✨

Big or small, every donation helps us spread cheer across generations. From chocolates and wine to toys, toiletries, or vouchers – your generosity can help light up someone’s Christmas.

Donations can be dropped off at MAIN, Finlay Cooper Centre, North Ormesby TS3 6EN

Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for all the amazing individuals we support. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community! ❤️

#MAINChristmasFayre #CommunitySpirit #DonateForAGoodCause #TombolaTime

Supported by Tees Traders Network

Over 30 Stalls attending, lots of choice and great ideas for Christmas Gifts!

468318373_10160076545991076_7720933763074058145_n.jpg

Lyke Wake Walk – Intrepid Explorers

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Celebrating Our 7 Little Rainbows

Tonight, seven amazing people are setting off to take on the Lyke Wake Walk, a gruelling 40-mile trek across the moors, walking through the night and into tomorrow,  all in support of MAIN, our charity for autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled, and complex needs individuals based in North Ormesby.

There are 7 colours in a rainbow, and fittingly, we have 7 incredible individuals making this journey. Each one brings their own strength, spirit, and colour to everything we do, together, they form something truly powerful and beautiful.

These volunteers don’t just support MAIN, they are MAIN. Their hearts and souls are woven into our mission, and their dedication shines brighter than ever.

To our 7 little rainbows: thank you, good luck, and well done.  You’re walking for more than just miles, you’re walking for inclusion, for understanding, and for every life we touch.

We’re behind you every step of the way.

#7LittleRainbows #LykeWakeWalk #TeamMAIN #NeurodiversityMatters #WalkingForChange #ThankYou

Thank You, Skipton Building Society

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Support MAIN by Popping into Skipton Building Society – Your Vote Could Make All the Difference!

Dear friends and supporters,

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news!

MAIN – is a local charity dedicated to supporting autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled and or complex needs from aged 5 years into adulthood and their families in the Tees Valley – has been selected as one of just three local causes to take part in Skipton Building Society’s Community Giving Scheme, nominated by the Middlesbrough branch. This means we now have the chance to receive up to £1,000 in funding – but we need your help to make it happen.

How It Works

From Monday 8th September to Friday 3rd October 2025, anyone who pops into a Skipton Building Society branch can cast a vote for MAIN – taking autism personally.

  • 1st place: £1,000

  • 2nd place: £600

  • 3rd place: £400

Just by voting, you’re helping MAIN secure vital funding – and every single vote counts.

Why Vote for MAIN?

MAIN exists to make life better for autistic children, young people, and adults, and the families who care for them. MAIN run a range of respite support provisions from group activities to 1:1 support in the community, we’re here every step of the way. This funding will help us continue offering tailored support where it’s needed most, right here in our community.

We’re incredibly grateful to the Middlesbrough branch of Skipton Building Society for this opportunity, and to every single person who takes the time to pop in and cast their vote for us.

Where to Vote:

Skipton Building Society, Middlesbrough Branch
Voting is open Monday 8th September – Friday 3rd October 2025 (until 4:30pm)

Let’s spread the word, get voting, and show just how much support MAIN has across Teesside!

Thank you for standing with us.

Warm wishes,
Team MAIN

 

main-quiet-room-1

Thank You, Zetland FM and all the lovely listeners!

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We want to say a very big thank you to Dave from Zetland FM for so generously giving us airtime to promote our fundraising efforts for the Quiet Room.

Your support truly means the world to us.

Play the audio interview full clip:

We’re raising funds as part of a project very close to our hearts at MAIN, a local charity that supports children, young people, and adults who are autistic, neurodiverse, on the pathway, have a learning disability and or complex needs. Some of the amazing children we work with experience behaviours that can be challenging at times, often as a result of sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulties in processing the world around them.

That’s why we are working hard to create a Quiet Room, a safe, calming, and therapeutic space where our young people can retreat when things become overwhelming. The room has been carefully designed with soft lighting, sensory tools, and comforting furnishings to help reduce anxiety and support emotional regulation. It’s not just a room, it’s a sanctuary where children can feel safe, supported, and understood.

Having a platform like Zetland FM to raise awareness of this vital project helps us connect with more people in our community who may wish to support, donate, or simply learn more about what we do. With every kind word shared and every donation made, we are one step closer to making this vision a reality.

Thank you again, Dave and everyone at Zetland FM, for helping us spread the word. Together, we are building something truly meaningful for the children who need it most.

#Togetherraisingsmiles

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Teesside Millions and the Lt Col Cohen Fund

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A Heartfelt Thank You to Teesside Millions and the Lt Col Cohen Distribution Fund

We are thrilled to announce some incredible news, our application to Teesside Millions and the Lt Col Cohen Distribution Fund has been successful!

Thanks to their generous support, we have been awarded a grant of £3,000 to help fund our upcoming project. This funding is a huge boost and will make a real difference to the work we’re doing in our community.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Teesside Millions, the grant-giving service of the Tees Foundation, and to all the supporters and donors who made this possible. Your investment in grassroots projects like ours means the world, and it enables real change where it’s needed most.

We’re excited to get started and look forward to sharing our progress with you. Be sure to follow us on our journey and we’ll be tagging the Tees Foundation on our social media so you can see how your support is making a difference. You can find them on Facebook at Tees Foundation, give them a follow to keep up with all the amazing work they’re doing across the region.

To the team at Tees Foundation – thank you once again for believing in our vision. With your help, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.

Stay tuned – great things are coming!

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

Great Achievement

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Celebrating Sam’s University Success!

We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone — Sam has graduated from Teesside University with a well-deserved 2:1 in History! His hard work, commitment, and passion for the past have all paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved.

Studying History is no easy feat — it takes deep thinking, critical analysis, and a real love for storytelling and understanding the world around us. Sam has shown all of that and more throughout his time at university.

Now, with his degree in hand, Sam is setting his sights on a future that connects his passion for history with his career goals. His dream? To work in a museum, where he can help bring the past to life for others, share knowledge, and continue learning every day.

We’re so excited to see where this next chapter takes him. With his enthusiasm, dedication, and love of history, we know he’ll be a fantastic asset to any museum team.

Congratulations, Sam — your future is looking bright, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

#TogetherRaisingSmiles