Tag Archive for: neurodiversity

Blessed and Thankful to KSB Greenhouse UK

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🌱 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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Image of child happy using a laptop

Keeping Children & Young People Safe Online: Important Safeguarding Update

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Keeping Children & Young People Safe Online: Important Safeguarding Update

As a neurodiverse charity supporting children, young people and families, online safety is always a priority for us. The internet can be an amazing space for learning, interests, community and creativity — but it can also present risks, especially for autistic, ADHD, anxious or otherwise vulnerable young people.

We have recently received a safeguarding alert from NHS/Government services regarding online activity that may place children and young people at risk. Below is a summary to help parents, carers and professionals stay informed and proactive.

⚠️ Safeguarding Alert – Summary

A national safeguarding alert has been shared relating to concerning online behaviour involving two young adults, who may be encouraging self-harm among vulnerable children and young people connected to mental health services.

Key points to be aware of:

  • One individual is using TikTok (approx. 3,000 followers) to engage with vulnerable young people.
  • There are known links to young people in mental health wards in Essex.
  • Essex Police, local authorities and NHS partners are actively monitoring the situation.
  • A multi-agency safeguarding meeting has already taken place.

Although this activity is currently linked to a specific geographical area, online content spreads quickly — so all parents, carers and professionals should remain vigilant.

🌐 Supporting Neurodiverse Children & Young People Online

Many autistic and neurodiverse young people:

✔ find online communities easier than face-to-face interactions
✔ can be more trusting of others’ intentions
✔ may struggle to identify manipulation or unsafe behaviour
✔ can feel pressure to respond quickly or please others
✔ may be highly influenced by online content due to hyperfocus or emotional vulnerability

This means they can be more at risk of exploitation, grooming or harmful online challenges.

👨‍👩‍👧 Guidance for Parents & Carers

Here are some practical steps to help keep children and young people safe:

1. Talk openly about online activity

Create a safe space for them to share what they’re watching, who they follow, and what interests them.

2. Keep an eye on their platforms

Particularly TikTok, Instagram, Discord, private messaging apps, gaming chats and YouTube shorts.

3. Encourage them to check in with you

Teach them to pause and ask for help if something feels worrying, confusing or upsetting.

4. Remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are

Explain in simple, neurodiversity‑friendly language.

5. Review privacy settings together

Make accounts private, turn off geolocation, and restrict who can comment/message.

6. Encourage healthy routines

Help create a balance between online and real‑world activities.

7. If they see self-harm or harmful content

Tell them it’s not their responsibility to help the person — they should always tell a trusted adult.

🌈 A Warm, Safe Environment — Online and Offline

At MAIN, we are committed to:

  • promoting a friendly, warm, and positive environment
  • supporting families with honest, accessible advice
  • working with our values in mind across all services
  • ensuring confidentiality and professionalism at all times
  • collecting feedback from parents, carers and young people to improve our support

If you ever have concerns about a child’s online activity, please speak to us — we are here to help.

🔗 Helpful Websites & Resources

Below are trusted, reputable sources offering guidance for families, schools and professionals:

NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online

UK Government – Support to Keep Children Safe Online

BBC – Internet Safety Resources for Children & Teachers

 

📬 Need Advice or Support?

If you are worried about a child or young person’s online activity, behaviour or emotional wellbeing, please contact our team for support.

Together, we can help create a safer, kinder online world for neurodiverse children and young people.

Picture of man with speech bubble

MAIN Youth Panel

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We need your help!

At MAIN, we are committed to a neuroinclusive approach, and we are creating a Youth Panel to help shape future projects and ensure the support we offer truly reflects the needs of the young people we work with.

We are looking for individuals aged 13–25 years who would be happy to volunteer and share their voice, give feedback, and help us decide where MAIN should focus its support.

If you are interested, please contact us at:
📧 info@iammain.org.uk
📞 01642 608012

We will get in touch to arrange an introductory meeting.

Thank you for helping us make MAIN the best it can be for neurodivergent young people.

Everyone is welcome – we look forward to meeting you!

Photo for main logo and slogan main raising smiles

MAIN Open Day Drop in Session

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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 25th March

🕐 Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

📍 Location:

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

📞 Contact: 01642 608012

Everyone is welcome – we look forward to meeting you!

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.