Tag Archive for: neurodiversity

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! 🍀💙

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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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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

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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.

2026 – Be Kind to Yourself and to Others

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Closing the Year with Care: A Neurodivergent Look Ahead to 2026

As the year ends, many people naturally pause to reflect on what has been and begin to think about what lies ahead. For neurodivergent people, including our autistic community, this time of year can bring a wide mix of emotions. There may be relief, pride, tiredness, hope, or uncertainty about change. Some people may also experience loneliness, or sadness when seeing other families celebrating in ways that aren’t accessible or possible for their own family.  All these feelings are valid, and none of them need fixing.

Rather than placing pressure or holding unrealistic expectations, this moment offers a gentle opportunity to pause, reset, and consider how the coming year might feel safer, kinder, and more supportive. It might help to ask:

  • What do I need?
  • What do my family and loved ones need?

Reflecting on the Year Just Gone – Without Judgment

Reflection doesn’t have to involve criticism.  For neurodivergent people, simply moving through a year in a world that isn’t always designed with us in mind, is an achievement.  Sometimes we overlook how much we’ve managed, adapted, and learnt along the way. Taking time to recognise your achievements matters.

You may have discovered new ways to cope, communicate, or care for yourself, continue that learning into 2026.

You might gently reflect on questions such as:

  • What helped me feel calm or supported this year?
  • Do I need more support moving forward?
  • When did I feel most like myself?
  • What drained my energy, and what helped restore it?
  • What did I learn about my needs?
  • What do I still want to understand better?
  • Who are my safe people?

There are no right or wrong answers here. Reflection is about understanding yourself with kindness, not placing blame.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Planning That Works for Neurodivergent Lives

Traditional goal setting can feel overwhelming or unrealistic.  Neurodivergent-friendly planning focuses instead on flexibility, support, and compassion.

Helpful approaches might include:

  • Choosing a gentle theme for 2026 instead of strict goals (such as wellbeing, balance, connection, or understanding myself)
  • Breaking plans into small, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm
  • Using tools that suit you — visual planners, reminders, routines, or lists
  • Planning rest and downtime as essential parts of life, not optional extras, to help reduce burnout

Your plans don’t need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful or valid.

Happiness on Your Own Terms

Happiness doesn’t mean feeling positive all the time.  For many autistic and neurodivergent people, happiness often looks like:

  • Feeling safe and accepted
  • Having needs recognised and respected
  • Being able to reduce masking and be yourself
  • Enjoying interests without guilt
  • Having predictability, choice, and understanding

A helpful question to carry forward is:
What helps me feel more at ease in my everyday life?

Those answers can gently guide you through 2026.

Staying Safe as You Move into a New Year

Safety is a vital part of wellbeing.  You can support your sense of safety by:

  • Setting clear boundaries around time, energy, and communication
  • Noticing early signs of stress or becoming overwhelmed
  • Staying connected with trusted people, services, or routines
  • Taking breaks from social media or news when it feels too much
  • Trusting your instincts
  • Asking for what you need, and seeking support with self-advocacy when that feels difficult

You deserve spaces where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Please feel welcome to ask us about the support available for you and your loved ones within our neurodivergent community.

A Message from MAIN

At MAIN, our wish is simple and heartfelt.  As we move into 2026, we wish everyone a new year that is not only joyful, but also safe, compassionate, and respectful.

We believe happiness grows when people are supported to be themselves, when differences are valued, and when wellbeing comes first. As the new year begins, we encourage you to move forward at your own pace, ask for support when you need it, and prioritise what truly helps you feel secure and included.

Moving Forward with Compassion

You do not need to change who you are in the new year. You are not behind, and you are not failing if things feel hard.

Let 2026 be a year where:

  • Your needs are taken seriously
  • Progress is measured in comfort and wellbeing, not pressure
  • Rest and growth are both welcome
  • Kindness toward yourself is a priority

However you are ending this year, you are welcome in the next one exactly as you are.

From all of us at MAIN, we wish you a safe, supportive, and caring 2026.

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Chat MAIN – online support for our Neurodiverse Community

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🎙️ You may have heard us on Hits Radio recently…

We’ve been chatting about the importance of connection, understanding, and community for autistic and neurodiverse adults, and that conversation has inspired something new at MAIN 💛

✨ Something supportive.
✨ Something welcoming.
✨ Something online.

We know adulthood can feel isolating, especially when you’re autistic or neurodivergent. That’s why our team has been quietly working behind the scenes on a new space where adults can connect, share experiences, and simply be themselves, with no pressure and no expectations.

💬 A calm, friendly online group
🤝 A place to meet others who understand
🏠 Join from the comfort of home

Thank you to Hits Radio for helping us raise awareness✨

Thank you to Katherine and Helen for supporting Chat MAIN 

Please follow the link on our website, or to ask a question or find out more email – info@iammain.org.uk; 

#TogetherRaisingSmiles #Autism #Neurodivergent #AdultSupport #Community #MentalHealth #ADHDSupport #LearningDisability #ComplexNeeds #SENSupport #Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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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