Tag Archive for: neurodiversity

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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

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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.

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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

 

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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
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Celebrating Heart warming Feedback from Our Community

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Celebrating Heart warming Feedback from Our Community

February at MAIN: Fostering Relationships and Wellbeing

February is MAIN’s month to focus on our relationships and provide clients with useful guides and workshops to promote safety and wellbeing and reduce social isolation. We are thrilled to share some lovely feedback from various services we provide at MAIN.

Showstoppers Group

One parent shared their appreciation for our Showstoppers group:

“Lovely group put together who enjoy singing and dancing and each other’s company. C looks forward to going each week, which has helped her confidence and social isolation greatly. Thank you for your ongoing support.”

Durham Coordinators

We also received heartfelt verbal feedback for our Durham Coordinators:

“Thank you so very much, Katherine. I really appreciate it. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Lewis, and the rest of MAIN. You are such a vital service, and you are all so nice, patient, and understanding.”

1:1 Bookable Sessions

In partnership with St John of God, our suicide prevention program for autistic individuals across Tees Valley has also received positive feedback:

“The advice and guidance I have received from Leah so far has been really beneficial, and I am grateful to have this support at a crucial point where I am facing a lot of uncertainty and changes. I’d feel alone otherwise and just wouldn’t know what to do. I feel it will help me navigate what the next few months may look like or what might change, and I am hopeful it will help me get back to a stable position where I feel more confident and comfortable with my circumstances and can manage my anxiety.”

We are incredibly grateful for this feedback and remain committed to supporting our clients in every way possible. Thank you for being a part of MAIN’s community!

Saturday Tween and Teens 

Two parents gave some amazing feedback to Brooke Hall, the groups facilitator- well done Brooke

Mum: 
“James loves your teens and tweens. Since you used the public bus, he has been showing me pictures of Arriva buses on his iPad. So, that whole part of the activity where you did something that James wouldnt normally do was great for him”
Mum: 
“T loves all the sessions, he loves anything physical and always comes home having enjoyed the activities”
 For more information about our Post Diagnostic Support and other services, please visit Support Services on our website
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Feedback from a Parent – Durham’s Post Diagnostic Support Service

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Celebrating Heart warming Feedback from Our Community

At I am MAIN, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and expert support to Autistic Individuals and their families. We are thrilled to share some heart warming feedback from the parents of one of our clients, which truly highlights the positive impact of our services.

“As parents of a young person with autism, we received the news of I am MAIN’s existence with great relief. Friends of ours with similar needs spoke very highly of the support their young person had received from the service in Durham. Since then, our son has attended a series of meetings with Katherine Palmer to talk through his experience and his needs in detail. He has engaged very well with Katherine and the process even though he doesn’t always find this sort of thing easy to deal with. Katherine’s empathetic approach in the meetings provided a reassuring and understanding environment for him to express himself in. He has enjoyed the opportunity to talk through his aspirations with Katherine and about the obstacles that he will need help tackling in order to achieve them. And we now have a series of support activities scheduled to help him begin work on this. We have greatly appreciated the compassionate and expert engagement we and our son have experienced so far and are very hopeful about the programme that is now available for him to move forward.”

We are incredibly grateful for such kind words. It means the world to us to know that our efforts have made a positive difference in the lives of our clients and their families. Katherine Palmer’s empathetic approach and dedication to understanding each individual’s unique needs have been instrumental in creating a supportive and reassuring environment for our clients.

Our mission at I am MAIN is to empower young people with autism to achieve their aspirations and overcome obstacles with the help of tailored support activities. We are excited to continue working with our clients and their families to provide the best possible care and support.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences and feedback with us. Your stories inspire us to keep striving for excellence in everything we do.

Together, we can make a difference

 For more information about our Post Diagnostic Support and other services, please visit Support Services on our website