Tag Archive for: neurodiversity

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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.

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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!

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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.

Win a FREE Personal Assistant (PA) Session at MAIN!

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🌟 Win a FREE Personal Assistant (PA) Session at MAIN! 🌟

Sophie, a dedicated member of the MAIN team 💙, is raising funds to gift one lucky family a FREE Personal Support (PA) session at MAIN!

Our PA sessions are fully tailored to your child’s individual interests, strengths and preferences, delivering meaningful, person-centred support for autistic and neurodiverse children and young people, including those with learning disabilities.

🎉 One family will receive a session completely free of charge!

📅 The session will take place during the Easter holidays:
Friday 3 April 2026 – Friday 17 April 2026

⏳ Closing date for entries: 31st March 2026

To support Sophie’s fundraiser, you can:
💷 Drop off a cash donation at MAIN
🔗 Donate online via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2dd9bb782

To ensure complete transparency and fairness, the winner will be selected using a random number generator and the draw will be live streamed.

To enter your child into the draw:
📧 Email: snandrews@iammain.org.uk

📱 Text: 07736 925252
(Please include your child’s name)

Thank you for supporting Sophie and MAIN — and the very best of luck to everyone entering! 🍀💙

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.

Love heart art work

Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17th February 2026

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✨ Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17 February ✨

At MAIN, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled children and adults from the age of 5 into adulthood has shown us just how powerful kindness can be, especially when it’s given with understanding, patience and acceptance.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a reminder that small actions really do matter. A smile, a listening ear, a few kind words, or taking time to understand someone’s world can make a huge difference. Not just to the person receiving it, but to ourselves too. Being kind helps us feel happier, more connected, and reminds us to be gentler with ourselves as well.

An act of kindness doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact.

So today, let’s celebrate kindness in all its forms. Do something kind for someone else, it’s easy, it’s free, and it can brighten a day more than you realise 💙

#RandomActsOfKindnessDay #KindnessMatters #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #MAINCharity #TogetherRaisingSmiles

we are hiring pa and outreach workers

Facilitator Opportunities at MAIN

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🌟 We’re Hiring Facilitators – Join MAIN! 🌟

Do you want a job where you truly make a difference?

MAIN is recruiting Facilitators to support autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults across our clubs, holiday programmes and community sessions.

You’ll deliver fun, structured and person-centred activities that build:

✔ Confidence
✔ Friendships
✔ Emotional wellbeing
✔ Independence

We’re looking for compassionate, creative team players who understand autism and enjoy working with people. A Level 2/3 qualification in Childcare or Health & Social Care (or relevant experience) is desirable.

✨ Full training provided, including Autism Awareness, Team Teach and accredited qualifications.

At MAIN, success is measured in smiles, confidence and belonging.

👉 To apply, complete the online form or email – info@iammain.org.uk

#JoinOurTeam #TeessideJobs #AutismSupport #TogetherRaisingSmiles 💛

Children’s Mental Health Week 9th – 15th February 2026

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It’s Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year, we’re shining a light on every unique way of thinking, feeling, and being. 🌟

Whether your child is neurodiverse, neurotypical, or somewhere in between, this week is all about listening, sharing, and celebrating feelings, the good, the messy, and even the “wait, what just happened?!” kind.

Here’s the thing: every feeling matters.  Anxiety?  Frustration?  Joy?  Excitement?  They’re all part of the story, and every story deserves to be heard. 🎨📝

So, how can we make this week a little brighter (and a lot more supportive)?

1️⃣ Talk, doodle, or dance it out – Not everyone can put feelings into words.  That’s okay! Drawing, journaling, or even dancing like nobody’s watching are all superpower-level ways to express yourself.

2️⃣ Celebrate strengths – Neurodiverse kids often see the world differently and that’s a gift!  Maybe it’s a quirky sense of humour, a lightning-fast memory, or a way of noticing details others miss. Cheer it, celebrate it, and let them know it matters. 🌈

3️⃣ Create safe spaces – A quiet corner, a calming playlist, or a favorite fidget toy can make a huge difference. Support looks like listening without judgment, asking open questions like “How are you feeling?” and giving space to answer in their own way.

4️⃣ Share and connect – You’re not alone, and neither are they.  Sharing stories, tips, or even small victories builds understanding, empathy, and community. 💌

Remember, mental health isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about nurturing growth, kindness, and connection. And a little humour along the way never hurts. 😉

💛 This Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s promise to:

  • Listen more than we talk

  • Celebrate every brain, every feeling, and every win

  • Remind children (and ourselves) that it’s okay to ask for help, to pause, and to be exactly who we are

Because in the end, love, care, and understanding are the superpowers that make every child feel safe, seen, and celebrated.