Tag Archive for: neurodiversity

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry

Thank You, Henry – for Being a Star in Our Fundraising Challenge

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At MAIN, we believe that every child and young person should have access to a space where they feel safe, calm, and truly understood.

That’s why we’re raising funds to create a Quiet Room, a peaceful sanctuary for those moments when the world becomes overwhelming.

But turning this vision into reality takes incredible people. That’s where Henry comes in.

Henry is more than just a fundraiser, he’s an inspiration. As a young autistic person who attends our Thursday Afterschool Club, Henry understands just how important it is to have a space to re-regulate, to breathe, and to feel secure. And now, he’s doing something extraordinary to help others find that same sense of calm.

His energy, compassion, and determination are helping us move closer to building the Quiet Room, one step, one donation, one moment at a time.

Henry, we can’t thank you enough.
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for using your voice to speak up for others.
Thank you for showing everyone what true community and courage look like.

With your help, we’re creating more than a room, we’re creating possibility. A space where anxiety can ease, senses can settle, and young people can find the calm they need.

To everyone reading:
Let’s rally behind Henry. Let’s support his incredible efforts and bring this Quiet Room to life. Every donation, every share, every show of support makes a real difference.

Please donate to Henry’s #GoFundMePage

Let’s make this happen, for Henry, for our children and young people, and for a future that embraces every individual with understanding and care.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The MAIN Team.

Henry

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAIN-CEO-Heather-Whyman-is-hoping-to-transform-storeroom-to-Quiet-Room.-Photo-by-Dawn-McNamara-scaled

Urgent funds needed for ‘vital’ safe space in Middlesbrough

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Urgent funds needed for ‘vital’ safe space in Middlesbrough

It will be a quiet room for children in heightened emotional states

People in Teesside are being urged to help create a safe quiet space for children in heightened emotional states.

Middlesbrough-based charity MAIN, which supports children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability or complex needs, urgently needs £25,000 to build the room.

 

Read the full article on the Hits Radio website

MAIN-CEO-Heather-Whyman-is-hoping-to-transform-storeroom-to-Quiet-Room.-Photo-by-Dawn-McNamara-scaled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Karen Liu. Photo ©Dawn McNamara.

Thank You – Skipton Building Society

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A heartfelt thank you to Skipton Building Society for selecting MAIN as your Charity of Choice.
We are truly grateful for your generous donation of Body Socks, which will make a meaningful difference to the children we support. Your kindness and commitment to our cause are deeply appreciated and will have a lasting impact.

In the photo are Victoria from Skipton Building Society, Josh, Heather, the CEO of MAIN and Tristan, taken in our new Pathways to Independence area , a space dedicated to helping our young people build essential life skills in a supportive environment.

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

 

Autism Act (2009) Have Your Say

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Autism Act 2009 – Committees – UK Parliament

Be a part of the story, if you are an individual, group or parent, please use your voice,

lets make a world where every autistic person has the right to live a fulfilled and happy life.

 

The committee wants to hear your views. We welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. You can submit evidence until Monday 2 June 2025.

Read the call for evidence before submitting

Introduction

The Autism Act 2009 Committee in the House of Lords is looking into how well the Autism Act 2009 and the Government’s autism strategy are working.

As part of this, the Committee is holding a call for evidence asking for information and views from you. To allow as much time as possible for people to respond, the call for evidence is open for two months (a longer period than usual), until 2 June 2025.

Love heart art work

Post Diagnosis Support Service 2014 – 2025

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A Heartfelt Thank You as Our Post Diagnosis Service Transitions

Since 2014, MAIN has had the privilege of delivering the Post Diagnosis Support Service (PDSS), offering not just guidance, but a helping hand, a light at the end of what can often feel like a very dark tunnel. Most importantly, PDSS has stood for respect, understanding, and positivity; values we have always held at the heart of everything we do.

As of 1st June 2025, this vital service will be moving to a new provider.

Over the past 11 years, our dedicated PDSS team — Kimberley, Melissa, Philip, Katherine, Pippa, Lewis, Daisy and Stephen,  have directly supported more than a thousand individuals, along with their loved ones and professionals. Each of them brought compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to every person they supported.

To our autistic community: thank you. Thank you for the trust you placed in us, and for allowing us to be part of your journey. It has been a genuine honour.

At MAIN, we have always treated every individual as just that — an individual. That will never change. While the PDSS will now continue under different leadership, our passion for supporting the neurodivergent community remains stronger than ever.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish our Durham autistic community the very best for the future.

If you have any enquiries about the Post Diagnosis Support Service after 31st May 2025, please contact:

Durham County Council
Commissioning Policy and Planning Officer
Adult and Health Services
Tel: 03000 268407

With heartfelt gratitude,
The MAIN Team

 

Parent / Carer Open Day May 20th May 2025 – 12 – 2pm 5 – 7pm

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You’re Invited! MAIN Open Day – Discover Our New Pathways to Independence

We are thrilled to invite all parents and carers to join us for a special Open Day at MAIN, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore our brand-new Pathways to Independence space.

Date: 20th May 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 2pm / 5pm – 7pm
Location: MAIN – TS3 6EN

Our Pathways to Independence is a fully adaptable and accessible learning environment designed to help young people build essential life skills with confidence and independence. From practicing daily living tasks to exploring vocational and social opportunities, the space has been thoughtfully developed to support every individual’s journey at their own pace.

During the Open Day, you’ll have the chance to:

  • Tour the new facility

  • Meet our experienced and supportive team

  • Learn about the personalised programmes we offer

  • Ask questions and get involved in shaping future activities

This is a great opportunity to see first-hand how MAIN is continuing to empower young people by creating inclusive and inspiring spaces that reflect real-life experiences.

Booking required – please email @ info@iammain.org.uk or call – 01642 608012

We can’t wait to welcome you.

 

Mental Health Week 2025

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – We’re Here to Help

May 12–18, 2025

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and this year’s theme, ‘Community’ is one that truly resonates with us here at MAIN.

Being part of a supportive, understanding community is vital to mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a friendly conversation, access to shared resources, or simply knowing you’re not alone, community creates connection and connection is at the heart of recovery, resilience, and wellbeing.

At MAIN, we are proud to stand alongside individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. Our mission is to support people with neurodiverse conditions and mental health needs, and we believe in the power of community to uplift and empower. This week is a reminder that nobody should have to face their struggles in isolation.

We’re Here to Help.

Throughout this week and beyond, we are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and offering our support to those who need it most. Whether you’re seeking information, resources, or someone to talk to, MAIN is here for you.

Please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk to learn more about what we do and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s build a stronger, kinder, more connected community.
#togetherraisingsmiles

 

Mental Health Week 2025

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 – We’re Here to Help

May 12–18, 2025

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, and this year’s theme, ‘Community’ is one that truly resonates with us here at MAIN.

Being part of a supportive, understanding community is vital to mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a friendly conversation, access to shared resources, or simply knowing you’re not alone, community creates connection and connection is at the heart of recovery, resilience, and wellbeing.

At MAIN, we are proud to stand alongside individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. Our mission is to support people with neurodiverse conditions and mental health needs, and we believe in the power of community to uplift and empower. This week is a reminder that nobody should have to face their struggles in isolation.

We’re Here to Help.

Throughout this week and beyond, we are committed to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and offering our support to those who need it most. Whether you’re seeking information, resources, or someone to talk to, MAIN is here for you.

Please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk to learn more about what we do and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s build a stronger, kinder, more connected community.
#togetherraisingsmiles

 

photo of showstoppers group with handmade cards

Showstoppers Spread Love and Joy at the Care Home

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Showstoppers Spread Love and Joy at the Care Home

Over the past couple of weeks, the Showstoppers have been hard at work practicing a dance to “Love Is All I Can Give to You” and a song to “Dancing Queen” in preparation for their performance at the care home. Their dedication and enthusiasm truly shone through during their visit.

In addition to their performances, the Showstoppers made heartfelt Valentine’s cards with personalized messages for the residents and staff. The entire group did an amazing job, displaying confidence and warmth as they greeted everyone with cuddles and conversations. They were respectful and kind to all the staff, making the visit even more special.

A highlight of the visit was reconnecting with their favourite resident, Carol, from their last visit. The Showstoppers made an extra effort to chat with her and see how she’s been, which brought smiles all around.

To say we are proud of the Showstoppers is an understatement. Their hard work and kindness have made a significant impact, and to celebrate their achievements, we will be having a movie night and takeaway next week to show them just how amazing they are.

Stay tuned for more updates on our wonderful Showstoppers and their inspiring activities!

 

 For more information about our Showstoppers group please look here