Tag Archive for: SEN Support

Christmas Tips for our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

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Christmas Tips for Our Autistic & Neurodiverse Community

Christmas can be magical… and a little overwhelming sometimes.  Here are some gentle ideas to make it easier and more enjoyable:

✨ Take it slow
No need to dive straight into the Christmas chaos. Add decorations or try festive activities gradually—one small thing at a time can make a big difference.

Plan what feels good
Knowing what’s happening and who will be there can make things calmer. Think about meals, events, or quiet time for yourself.  Your plan can be as simple or detailed as you like.

Look after yourself

Bring comfort items: earplugs, fidget toys, or a cosy hoodie.

Have snacks you like, festive food doesn’t have to be tricky.

Take breaks whenever you need.

Presents your way
Make a wish-list for yourself, and keep a simple list of gifts you want to give. No pressure—just a little help so everyone knows what makes you happy.

Create your own traditions
Your Christmas can be anything you want—your meal, your decorations, your activities. You don’t have to do it the “usual way.”

Feeling lonely? That’s okay too

Treat yourself to your favourite food, film, or creative project.

Call or video chat with friends or family.

Volunteer or join a community event if you want to meet people.

Join our MAIN Chat Group!
Our next online session is 17th December. Email us if you’d like joining instructions info@iammain.org.uk – we’d love you to be part of our group!

Remember: Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful or “perfect.” You can make it calm, joyful, and totally yours.

The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy – Time to Deliver

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Let’s hope this actually does what it says on the tin, real, meaningful support for our autistic & neurodiverse community.

The House of Lords committee has just published their report “Time to deliver: The Autism Act 2009 and the new autism strategy”, calling for urgent, concrete action.

They highlight that more than 200,000 people are currently waiting for autism assessments.

They’re demanding a costed, deliverable plan for the next strategy (which needs to launch by July 2026) with real accountability.

They also stress the need for meaningful involvement of autistic people in every stage of designing and delivering this strategy.
UK Parliament Committees

Training must be expanded for public-facing staff, and there must be better support for autistic people in the criminal justice system.
UK Parliament Committees

Why this matters:
For too long, policy has been made for autistic people not with them. According to the report, successive governments have failed to deliver on real change. This isn’t just about “nice words” it’s about building a system that works, assessment, support, employment, health, justice all of it.

https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/770/autism-act-2009-committee/news/210570/autism-act-committee-report-publication/

Thank you Stockton City The Smoggies Football Club

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A Huge Thank You from MAIN!

This weekend, MAIN Charity, which supports autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled and complex needs individuals from 5 years upwards, were honoured to be welcomed to a fantastic charity football match organised by Dalton Storey, a young man who truly shines with enthusiasm and care for his community. ⚽

Congratulations to Stockton City ‘The Smoggies’ for winning the game, and a massive thank you to everyone who came along and helped raise £225.95 from ticket sales on the door!

But Dalton didn’t stop there, he also organised a brilliant Race Night at The Moline Cross, raising a further £100,00, to support our amazing charity.

Special thanks also go to:
Linda Dickinson, Interim Chair and Trustee, who came along in support
My lovely granddaughter Laila, who braved the weather to cheer on the teams
Leanne and Tracey for attending the Race Night and showing their support

It’s heart warming to see such great people coming together with love and dedication to support MAIN.

#ThankYou #CommunitySpirit #CharitySupport #Neurodiversity #TeamMAIN #Fundraising #TogetherRaisingSmiles

Enjoying Guy Fawkes Safely

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Guy Fawkes Night –

Tips for Our Neurodiverse Community

 

It’s nearly Guy Fawkes Night!
This means there will be fireworks, loud bangs, bright lights, and crowds.

Some people find fireworks fun and exciting
Others might find them loud, bright, or scary
All feelings are OK

 

Here are some ideas to help you feel safe and calm:

Protect your ears
Fireworks can be very loud.
You can wear ear defenders, headphones, or earplugs.

 

Look after your eyes
If bright lights bother you, try wearing sunglasses or stay where it’s darker.

 

Stay in a safe space
You don’t have to go outside.
You can stay indoors, watch from a window, or do something else you enjoy.

 

Plan ahead
Find out when fireworks will happen near you.
Knowing what to expect can make it easier.

 

Tell someone how you feel
You can say, “The noise makes me uncomfortable.”
Friends, family, or support staff can help you find what works best.

 

Look after pets too
Animals can also get scared, close windows and curtains to help them feel safe.

 

Use calming tools
Try deep breathing, fidget toys, weighted blankets, or calming music.

 

 

❤️ Remember: You don’t have to join in.
It’s OK to do what feels right for you.

 

Let’s make this Guy Fawkes Night safe, calm, and comfortable for everyone

At MAIN, we believe in YOUR ability

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MAIN are seeking dedicated, caring individuals to join our team, as Personal Assistants either within our clubs / groups or supporting young people in the community, offering flexible hours that suit your lifestyle, alongside great opportunities for growth and development.

Remuneration – National Minimum Mage (NMS)
Weekend work is a requirement

MAIN – Empowering Difference, Inspiring Inclusion

Who We Are
MAIN exists to empower autistic and neurodivergent children, young people, and their families to reach their full potential.
We believe every individual deserves to be understood, celebrated, and included, not just supported. For over 23 years, MAIN has worked alongside children, young people, and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, awaiting diagnosis, or have a learning disability or complex need.  We focus on abilities, not labels, helping people grow in confidence, build life skills, and experience genuine belonging in their communities. What We Do –

  • MAIN offers a wide range of personalised, centre and community-based support designed to empower individuals and families:
    One-to-One Support: Tailored sessions that help children and young people build independence and confidence in real-world settings.
  • Activity & Social Groups: Fun, inclusive clubs including Adventurers, Explorers, Tweens & Teens, and Youth Groups, and much more; where friendships, confidence, and new experiences grow.
  • Advice & Guidance: Compassionate, practical support to help families navigate education, diagnosis, and daily life.
  • 16+transition
  • Adult Day Service – providing a welcoming and nurturing provision of support that is focused, practical and above all FUN!

    • Our Vision
    A world where everyone, regardless of neurotype or ability,  is empowered to reach their full potential, embraced for their uniqueness, and included fully in all aspects of society.

    Our Promise
    At MAIN, we see the person first.
    We work alongside you, not around you.
    Together, we build the confidence, skills, and connections that help every individual and every family thrive.

    Please contact MAIN by sending an email to serviceteam@iammain.org.uk; or complete the enquiry form online.

    Enjoying Halloween Safely

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    Enjoying Halloween Safely: Tips for Autistic Individuals and Families
    Halloween can be a fun and creative time of year, costumes, decorations, and treats galore! But for many autistic and neurodiverse children and adults, it can also bring changes in routine, unexpected noises, and social pressure that make the day feel overwhelming.
    At MAIN, we believe everyone should be able to take part in Halloween in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help make the festivities safe, accessible, and fun for all:
    1. Plan ahead
    Talk through what to expect on Halloween — whether that’s trick-or-treating, attending an event, or staying home to hand out sweets. Using a visual schedule or social story can help reduce anxiety and make the evening more predictable.
    2. Choose comfortable costumes
    Costumes don’t have to be elaborate! Soft fabrics, tag-free clothing, or even themed pyjamas can make dressing up more sensory-friendly. The most important thing is feeling comfortable and confident.
    3. Set boundaries
    It’s okay to skip parts of Halloween that don’t feel right. You might choose to visit only a few houses, go out earlier when it’s quieter, or celebrate at home with a film and some treats.
    4. Prepare for sensory challenges
    Loud sounds, flashing lights, and crowds can be overwhelming. Bring noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, or fidget tools if they help. You can also plan “quiet breaks” in a calm space.
    5. Support inclusive trick-or-treating
    Consider using or recognising autism-friendly signs or blue pumpkins that signal someone may communicate or participate differently. Patience and kindness go a long way in helping everyone feel included.
    6. Celebrate your way
    There’s no “right” way to do Halloween! Whether that means crafting at home, sharing treats with neighbours, or skipping the day entirely, it’s all about what feels best for you or your family.

    Join MAIN’s Board of Trustees

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    Join MAIN’s Board of Trustees – Make a Difference for Neurodiverse Lives

    Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive world? Do you believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter their neurodiversity, disability, or additional needs?

    MAIN is looking for new trustees to join our Board, specifically individuals with backgrounds in Law, Human Resources, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) to help shape the future of our vital work.

    Who We Are

    MAIN is a charity dedicated to supporting autistic people, those who are neurodiverse, have learning disabilities, or additional and complex needs. Our services span from age 5 into adulthood, offering practical support, social opportunities, education, and advocacy to improve lives and remove barriers to inclusion.

    From youth groups and life skills training to adult support services and family outreach, we’re here to help people be themselves, build confidence, and live more independently.

    Why Become a Trustee?

    Joining MAIN’s Board is more than a governance role, it’s an opportunity to transform lives.

    As a trustee, you will:

    • Help steer the strategic direction of the charity

    • Ensure our services meet the needs of our community

    • Uphold our values of inclusion, respect, empowerment, and compassion

    • Offer your expertise to support good governance and ethical decision-making

    • Be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team driving real change

    Who We’re Looking For

    We’re especially interested in hearing from people with skills or professional experience in:

    ⚖️ Law

    • Governance and compliance

    • Charity law or safeguarding knowledge

    • Risk management

    ‍ Human Resources (HR)

    • Recruitment, retention, and workforce wellbeing

    • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

    • Organisational development

    Special Educational Needs (SEN)

    • Experience in education, EHCP processes, or local authority work

    • First-hand understanding of the challenges faced by families and young people

    • A passion for supporting learning and development in neurodiverse individuals

    We are also keen to reflect the diversity of the people we support, and warmly welcome applications from those with lived experience of autism, neurodiversity, or disability.

    If you’re interested, please email hwhyman@iammain.org.uk in the first instance with a brief introduction about yourself.

    Christmas Community Magic

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    MAIN’s Christmas Fayre – Let’s Make It Magical!  November 29th 11 – 3pm

    Across 3 amazing venues –

    • MAIN – Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby TS3 6EN
    • Elizabeth House – Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, TS3 6HE
    • Pennyman House – James Street, North Ormesby, TS3 6LB

    This Christmas, MAIN is celebrating all that is good by bringing our community together for a heart-warming Christmas Fayre – and we’d love your help to make it extra special!

    MAIN supports children from age 5 into adulthood who are autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled, and/or have complex needs. This year, we’re proudly partnering with Pennyman House – sheltered accommodation for those aged 55+ – and Elizabeth House, a care home supporting older people and those affected by Alzheimer’s.

    Together, we’re creating a festive event full of joy, laughter, and community spirit – and we need your support!

    ✨ Can you donate a tombola prize? ✨

    Big or small, every donation helps us spread cheer across generations. From chocolates and wine to toys, toiletries, or vouchers – your generosity can help light up someone’s Christmas.

    Donations can be dropped off at MAIN, Finlay Cooper Centre, North Ormesby TS3 6EN

    Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for all the amazing individuals we support. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community! ❤️

    #MAINChristmasFayre #CommunitySpirit #DonateForAGoodCause #TombolaTime

    Supported by Tees Traders Network

    Over 30 Stalls attending, lots of choice and great ideas for Christmas Gifts!

    468318373_10160076545991076_7720933763074058145_n.jpg

    Thank You to the People & Communities Who Truly Understand MAIN

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    Thank You to the People & Communities Who Truly Understand MAIN

    At MAIN, we are constantly reminded of how lucky we are to be surrounded by such an incredible community, people who not only understand our mission but champion it in the most meaningful ways.

    As a local charity supporting autistic, neurodiverse, learning disabled, and complex needs children and young people from the age of 5 into adulthood, the work we do is both vital and deeply personal. But we know that none of it could happen without you, our local supporters, advocates, funders, volunteers, and friends.

    There is something incredibly powerful about being seen and understood. So many of you just get what we’re trying to achieve. You see the importance of inclusion. You recognise the value of every child and young person we support. You show up, not only with financial support, but with your time, your voices, and your belief in us.

    Thanks to you, MAIN is not just surviving, we’re growing, evolving, and continuing to build a safe, empowering space for our young people and their families.

    This is exactly why we have our Thank You Wall, a permanent reminder that every single act of kindness, every show of support, and every bit of belief in our mission matters. It’s the first thing you see when you walk through our doors, because when you support MAIN, you’re not just a donor or a volunteer, you are family.

    From the bottom of our heart, personally and professionally, thank you. You are the reason we can keep pushing forward. You are the reason so many of our children and young people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

    Please note there are still spaces to be filled, be part of our journey!

    You are all superstars.

    With heartfelt gratitude,


    Heather Whyman & Trustees
    MAIN

    Many Heartfelt Thanks to UK Pods Ltd

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    A Heartfelt Thank You to UK Pods Ltd

    At MAIN, we are continually reminded of the incredible generosity and kindness that surrounds us and today, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to UK Pods Ltd for their extraordinary act of giving.

    Thanks to their generous donation of a POD, our organisation has been blessed with an incredible support. This gift is  a symbol of community, compassion, and the belief that when we come together, we can create meaningful change.

    To UK Pods Ltd—thank you, thank you, thank you. Your support reminds us just how lucky we are to be part of such an amazing community. Your kindness shines brightly and encourages us to keep doing what we do, knowing we are not alone.

    From everyone at MAIN, thank you again for believing in us and for helping us grow.

    With heartfelt appreciation,
    The MAIN Team