Tag Archive for: Support

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Join us for our Grand Opening

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Join us for our Grand Opening

Join Us for the Grand Opening of the Pathway to Independence Centre!

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our Pathway to Independence Centre on 14th February 2025. This special day marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

We warmly invite all families, clients, professionals, and supporters to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. The event will feature inspiring speeches, delightful refreshments, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Event Details:

  • Date: 14th February 2025
  • Time: 10am
  • Location: MAIN, The Finlay Cooper Centre, Elizabeth Terrace, North Ormesby, TS3 6EN

Come and be a part of this wonderful celebration. Your presence will make the day even more special as we embark on this new chapter together.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Please email to book on at mainadminsupport@iammain.org.uk

Bright yellow with images of work men with construction hats to show our building is under construction

Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN- Update 5

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Pathway to Independence Centre: Final Sneak Peek Before Our Grand Opening!

We are thrilled to share the last sneak peek of the Pathway to Independence Centre before our grand opening launch event, which we hope to arrange around February. Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming newsletter!

In the meantime, please enjoy this short video from our CEO, Heather Whyman, showcasing some of the key features and the incredible progress we’ve made so far.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Pathway to Independence Centre soon!

 

 

Please sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date with our progress

Image with green heart in caring hand saying here to help

December 2024 -Mental Health Bookable 1:1 Sessions

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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

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Safeguarding Week- Setting Healthy Boundaries

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Setting healthy boundaries

It’s important to have healthy boundaries to make sure that others don’t take advantage of us, and we don’t neglect ourselves by doing too much for other people.

 

Think about what you need and want

Try to identify what you need from your friendships and relationships, how much alone time do you need? How do you prefer to spend time with people?

 

Think about if people would treat you like you treat them

Not all of the people in your life have to be someone you would do everything for. If someone wouldn’t dogsit for you, don’t feel like you have to babysit for them.

 

Don’t feel like you have to share everything

You don’t have to tell people things if you don’t feel comfortable. If someone asks you a personal question that you don’t want to answer, you can say “I don’t want to answer that.” Or change the subject.

 

Practice saying no to requests

Practice makes perfect. Practice in front of the mirror. “no I’m sorry, I can’t do that, I’m busy.” It doesn’t make you less friends with someone if you can’t do everything they ask.

 

Try to build your self-esteem

Doing things that make you feel good, such as exercise, learning new things, eating well, and getting enough sleep, will help you to feel better about yourself, and can help you improve your self esteem.

 

Get quality alone time

Try and spend quality time with yourself, doing something that you enjoy and makes you feel good about yourself will help you to appreciate yourself and stop seeing your value in what you do for other people.

 

 

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Safeguarding Week- Lending Money

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Lending Money

Often friends and family might ask if they can borrow some money from you, and this can put you in a difficult position. Here are some things to think about before giving money to other people.

Talk to a trusted adult

If anyone asks to lend money from you always discuss with a trusted adult. This could be your parent, carer, teacher, work colleague or partner.

Can I afford to lose that amount of money?

Sometimes, people borrow money and don’t pay it back. This can be very disappointing, and can make life very difficult, especially if you lent someone a large amount. If you don’t think that you could get by without the amount of money that someone is asking for, you shouldn’t lend them the money.

Would I be upset if I wasn’t paid back?

If you would be upset that you didn’t get the money back, don’t lend someone money, especially if you have lent them money before that they haven’t repaid, as this can be a sign that they are unlikely to pay you back.

Could I help this person in another way?

There are many ways you could help a friend for free, such as assisting them with tasks around the house, making them food, or even just being there to listen if they need to talk.

How do I build boundaries?

It’s important to build up boundaries with people in our lives so that they don’t take advantage of us or make us feel uncomfortable. It’s okay to say no to things. It could also be helpful to practice saying no to small things so that it’s easier to say no to bigger things.

 

Christmas Tips

MAIN’s Christmas Guide

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MAIN’s Christmas Guide

Christmas can be a magical time of year, but it can also be quite stressful for many autistic people. Here are some tips on how to have a less overwhelming Christmas.

Slowly introduce festivities

It can be a lot to go from a normal day, straight into winter wonderland. Think about slowly adding decorations, or doing Christmas themed activities during the build up to Christmas so that it feels like less of a sudden change. You don’t have to do everything all at once.

Plan ahead

We often feel better about events when we know more about what is going to happen, and when we feel more in control of things. Planning ahead can help with both of these things. You might want to plan in advance what you are doing for Christmas, including where you will be, when things will happen, and who will be there– uncertainty can be a big stress for many autistic people, and this can easily be relieved by knowing what to expect.

Think about what can reduce your stress

Let people in your life know how they can reduce your stress over Christmas, particularly if you are spending it away from home with other friends or family members. Things that you might want to think about could be:

– Knowing what food will be part of the Christmas meal – again, this can stop you from worrying about not knowing what you will be eating. You could even think about some safe foods to make

– Is there a quiet space that you can go to if everything gets overwhelming? Could you plan some good times in the day for a break or some alone time?

– What do they expect from you? – are you expected to get a gift for everyone? Should you bring something to eat?

Planning Presents

It’s also a good idea to plan ahead with your presents. Maybe write a list of who you will get presents for, if anyone, and budget how much you will spend, so that you don’t spend too much on presents. It could also be a good idea to write a list of things you might want, so that other’s have an idea of what to get you, and you know there’s something to look forward to.

Plan for your sensory needs

– Think about any comfort items you could bring with you if you are going somewhere for Christmas. These could be earplugs to drown out all of the noise of crowds and music, fidget toys that help with anxiety, or a hat/hoodie that could block out bright Christmas lights. You may wish to bring some snacks if you are worried about certain foods.

Create your own traditions

Think about what your ideal Christmas would be, and how you would prefer to celebrate. You may prefer a different Christmas meal, to decorate in your own way, or to do certain crafts or activities around Christmas. You don’t have to visit family if you don’t want to.

Coping with loneliness

Christmas can be very difficult if you are on your own, especially when it seems everyone else you know is busy with others. You might want to think about going to a local , or just enjoy your time alone – do something creative, eat your favourite food, and watch your favourite festive film.

You might like to volunteer at a local care home or food bank and join their Christmas meal. This is also a great way to meet new people if you are interested.

Call people or video call friends or family that you can’t be with in person.

Take some time off from social media, so you don’t have to see what others are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy!

 

Go karting picture of client in helmet

Saturday Tween and Teens Trip Out- Go Karting

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Tween and Teens Go Karting Adventure!

This weekend, our Saturday Tween and Teens group had an exhilarating time go karting! Our Tweens and Teens group, which includes young people aged 11-18, ventures out into the community once a month for an exciting activity day.

These outings are more than just fun; they play a crucial role in helping our clients build independence skills, feel comfortable in different environments, and, most importantly, enjoy themselves.

We are proud to see our young members growing and thriving through these experiences. Stay tuned for more adventures!  See the Video Here 

If you want to learn more about Tween and Teens please check here

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Our Christmas Fayre was a success!

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Thank You for Making Our Christmas Fayre a Success!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Christmas Fayre on 23rd November. Your support and enthusiasm made the event truly special.

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £1175.25! This incredible amount will go a long way in supporting our cause.

Once again, thank you for your participation and contributions. We look forward to seeing you at our future events!

Staff and volunteer photo Photo of cake stall   Photo of MAIN's soft toy giraffePhoto of food being servedPhot of staff doing Henna

If you wish to donate to MAIN you can do so here or contact us if you feel you could help our Charity in anyway 01642 608012

Christmas Tips

Advice for your Christmas Break

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Advice for your Christmas break from school/University or work

Having a break from school, college or university gives you a much needed opportunity to rest and recover before the new year, and time to spend with loved ones. However, for many autistic people, this change of routine can be difficult. Here are some tips for how to survive and thrive over the Christmas holidays.

Rest

You probably worked really hard for the past few weeks, it’s okay for you to need some rest. Think about calm activities you can enjoy over the break, such as reading, watching your favourite show or film, or playing games. It’s okay to be tired after a long term of studying.

Try to keep your sleep schedule normal

As tempting as it is to stay up super late, and sleep all day, it’s better to keep your sleep schedule as close to normal as you can. This will help you to feel your best when you go back after the holidays, and will give you more opportunities to go out and get some daylight if you need it.

Keep in touch with friends and family

Connecting with other people can be really beneficial to our mental health. Sometimes a break away from school or uni means it’s harder to see the friends you would normally see every day. Try to stay in touch with important people in your life, either through technology like calls or messages, or through meeting in person.

Schedule your days

Having a long time off of school or University can be daunting if you don’t know what you will be doing, especially if you have work or revision to do before you go back. Try to plan out what you will do each day, and when would be best to do these things. Having an idea of what you will be doing when can take away any anxiety of having to make decisions in the moment. Make sure to plan fun things too, as rewards for working hard, and to give yourself a break when you need it.

Be as festive as you feel

You don’t have to jump in to Christmas if it’s not your thing. It might be a nice idea to occasionally do small things to get into the festive spirit, like watching specific films or doing some baking, but that’s entirely up to you, it’s your break to enjoy.

 

 

Bright yellow with images of work men with construction hats to show our building is under construction

Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN- Update 4

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Exciting Renovations Underway at MAIN

Exciting Updates from MAIN!

I wanted to share some exciting updates on the Pathways to Independence Centre:

  • Lighting: The lights are nearly fully installed.
  • Reception Area: Work has begun, including the wheelchair-accessible front desk.
  • Toilets: The passageway toilets have been updated.
  • Kitchen: We aim to start the kitchen fittings by the end of this week.
  • Plastering: Completed, and both false walls have been put in place.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, including P&HS Architects, JPS LTD, Castle Construction, and many more. You are all MAIN’s SUPER HEROES!

Visual concept of the room Visual concept of the room Visual concept of the room Reception blue print of the front Blueprints of the area being updated Colourscheme

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