Tag Archive for: Parent

Teesside Family Foundation Short List – Please Vote for MAIN

Help Us Bring £25,000 to MAIN – Your Vote Can Change Lives

We’re incredibly proud to share that MAIN has been shortlisted for the £25,000 “Together for Teesside” giveaway, run by the Teesside Family Foundation 💙

This amazing initiative supports local charities making a real difference across Teesside, and now, thanks to you, we’re in with a chance of securing vital funding.

But we need your help.

💙 Why This Matters

At MAIN, we support neurodiverse children, young people, and their families across Teesside. Every day, we see the difference the right environment and support can make.

Right now, we’re working to create more safe spaces in our purpose built building alongside developing our Alternate Education offer, as we know first hand how difficult some of our children find a school environment whether that is a SEND provision or mainstream.

🏆 About the £25,000 Giveaway

The “Together for Teesside” campaign is all about celebrating and supporting local causes. After public nominations, shortlisted organisations (like us!) rely on community votes to move forward.

The top charities will go on to a live final, and every finalist receives a share of the £25,000 fund.

So every single vote really does count.

🙌 How You Can Help

It’s simple—and it takes less than a minute:

👉 Vote for MAIN
(9) Facebook

(If the link doesn’t open directly, head to our social pages where you’ll find the voting link pinned!)

💬 Every Vote = Real Impact

By voting for MAIN, you’re helping us:

  • Create safe spaces for vulnerable children
  • Support families across Teesside
  • Continue delivering vital services to those who need them most

This is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to bring meaningful change to our community.

💙 Let’s Do This Together

If you’ve ever supported MAIN, worked with us, or believe in what we do, please take a moment to vote—and share this with your friends, family, and colleagues.

Together, we can make this happen.

#TogetherForTeesside #VoteMAIN #CommunitySupport #MakingADifference

A Heartfelt Thank You to ATF Supplies

A Heartfelt Thank You to ATF Supplies

At MAIN, we are privileged to work with incredible partners who go above and beyond to support our community. Over the past year, ATF Supplies, John, Marc, Emily, and the entire team, have shown exceptional care, compassion, and generosity, and we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks.

From the very beginning, ATF Supplies demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of our autistic, neurodiverse, and learning disability community. Their practical support has been invaluable. They supplied the ironmongery free of charge, assisted with our fob entry system, and even allowed flexibility in repayment. This generosity eased financial pressures at a critical time and ensured that our services continued uninterrupted.

Beyond the practical support, it has been their kindness, care, and ongoing willingness to help that has touched us all. The commitment of John, Marc, Emily, and the team made this project possible, and their contribution has had a lasting, meaningful impact on the people we support.

Thanks to ATF Supplies, we are one step closer to our vision of greater independence and opportunity for all. We are proud to have worked alongside them and deeply grateful for everything they have done for MAIN and our community.

From Heather, our trustees, staff, and the people we support—thank you. Your generosity and commitment mean the world to us.

Cheering on Our Volunteers: Training for the 40-Mile Lyke Wake Walk

Cheering on Our Volunteers: Training for the 40-Mile Lyke Wake Walk

We are incredibly proud of our dedicated group of volunteers who are fundraising for MAIN.
As they prepare for the gruelling 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk in August, some of the volunteers managed to put some time aside, Neil, Adam, Liam, Joshua, Aidan, and Tom have been putting in the hard work to ensure they’re ready for the challenge.
This past Saturday, the team met up for a training session that took them up Roseberry Topping and to Captain Cook’s Monument and back. It was a tough trek, but the group showed incredible determination and spirit as they tested out their boots and logged some practice miles.
Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument provided the perfect backdrop for their training, offering both beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. The team’s commitment to their training is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see them conquer the Lyke Wake Walk in August.
Let’s all cheer on Neil, Adam, Liam, Joshua, Aidan, and Tom as they continue their preparations. Your support means the world to them and helps drive them forward. Keep up the amazing work, Team!
Photos of our team on their practice walk   

Please help fundraise or sponsor our team of walkers by going to our JustGiving Page 

New Service: Unregistered Alternative Education Provision – Middlesbrough, Darlington & Redcar

MAIN’s New Provision

MAIN are now launching our Unregistered Alternative Education Provision for Middlesbrough, Redcar and Darlington residents.

For individuals who are Autistic. neurodivergent, awaiting a diagnosis, have a learning disability and/ or complete need and not accessing education.

Sessions take place at our centre and in the community. We aim to support young individuals engage in education using a creative and person-centred approach.

What is Unregistered Alternative Education? 

Unregistered Alternative Education for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN), who are not attending school refers to educational settings or programs that are not formally registered or regulated by the government.

These environments offer flexible and often individualised learning opportunities tailored to the uniqueness of the child, young person. Families may choose unregistered alternative education for a variety of reasons, including dissatisfaction with traditional schooling, difficulties in meeting the child’s specific needs, or sensory and emotional challenges that make formal school environments overwhelming.

What are the benefits?

Unregistered Alternative Education offers a flexible, individualised approach that prioritises the child’s specific needs, interests, and emotional well-being. With a focus on personalised learning, therapeutic support, and practical life skills, these settings offer a valuable alternative for families who find traditional schooling insufficient or unsuitable for their neurodiverse children.

 


Please contact us if you would like more information

March 2025 -Autism & Mental Health Bookable 1:1

Here to Help

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in March, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

Monday 3rd March: 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 5th March: 2pm-4pm
Wednesday 12th March: 1pm-3pm
Friday 14th March: 10pm-12pm
Friday 21st March: 1pm-3pm
Monday 24th March: 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 26th March: 1pm-3pm
Friday 28th March: 10am-12pm

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

February 2025 -Autism & Mental Health Bookable 1:1

Here to Help

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in February, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

Monday 3rd Feb – 1pm-3pm
Wednesday 5th Feb 1pm-3pm
Monday 10th  Feb 1pm-3pm
Friday 14th Feb 1pm-2pm
Monday 17th Feb 10am-12 noon
Wednesday 19th Feb -10am-12 noon
Friday 21st Feb -1pm-2pm
Monday 24th – 10am -12 noon
Friday 28th Feb – 10am-12 noon

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

January 2025 -Mental Health Bookable 1:1 Sessions

Here to Help

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in January, you can book a 30 minute- one hour slot 

3rd January- 10am-2pm

10th January- 10am-12

13th January- 12:30-2:30pm

15th January 1pm-2pm

20th January 10am-12

22nd January 1pm-3pm

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

December 2024 -Mental Health Bookable 1:1 Sessions

Here to Help

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in December

Monday 2nd December – 12.30pm-2.30pm
Wednesday 4th December – 10am-12pm
Friday 6th December – 2pm-3pm
Wednesday 11th December – 10am-12pm
Tuesday 24th December – 11am-1pm
Friday 27th December – 10.00am-12.00pm

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

We can provide alternative dates and times, along with telephone or video call sessions. Please just get in touch.

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

November -Mental Health Workshops

Here to Help: Emotional Recognition & Management Sessions

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in October 

Friday 8th November- 10am-12 noon – Understanding Happiness

Friday 15th November- 10am-12 noon- Understanding Anxiety and Anger

Friday 29th November- 10am-12 noon- Understanding Sadness

Drop in Sessions 

Monday 4th November- 12:30-2:30pm

Monday 11th November- 12-1pm

Monday 18th November- 12-2pm

Monday 25th November- 11am-12 noon

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on

Mental Health Workshops

Here to Help: Emotional Recognition & Management Sessions

MAIN are working in collaboration with St John of God to offer workshops to promote understanding of self and learning strategies.

MAIN will be delivering some sessions in October 

Monday 7th October 11am-1pm : Understanding Sadness

Friday 18th October 1am-12pm: Promoting Joy

Monday 21st October 10am-12pm: Understanding Anger

Drop in Sessions 

Friday 4th October 12:30pm-2:30pm: Understanding Yourself

Friday 11th October 12pm-2pm: Accessing Mental Health Support

Monday 14th October 12pm-2pm: Promoting Joy

Monday 30th October 10am-12pm: Increasing Hope (Online via Microsoft Teams)

All sessions are suitable for anyone aged 14+ years.

Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, TS3 6EN

You can access more information, resources and support here


Please contact us if you would like more information and to book on