Tag Archive for: Teesside

Interns at MAIN

Internships at MAIN

On 20 January, we commenced our three-month internship at MAIN – Taking Autism Personally, in fulfilment of the requirements for our master’s degree programme at Teesside University.

During this period, we had the privilege of working within the Finance Department, where we gained exposure to the financial reporting framework governing charities in the UK – Financial Reporting Standards 102 and the Statement of Recommended Practices. From acquiring a thorough understanding of income and expenditure recognition, classification, and measurement principles, to compiling a comprehensive asset register and adept use of Accounting Software, QuickBooks, the experience has been invaluable in enhancing our professional development and equipping us with essential skills to navigate the evolving landscape of accounting.

As we conclude our internship at MAIN, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Chief Executive Officer, Heather Whyman, for fostering a work environment that promotes dedication, collaboration, and inclusivity. We are also deeply grateful to Finance Manager Nana Kojo Arhinful-Yeboah for the insightful guidance provided through our weekly training sessions and constructive interactions.

We are truly thankful for this opportunity and wish MAIN continued success in all its future endeavours.

 

 

Photo of new minibus

MAIN are proud to share our new MINIBUS

MAIN are proud to share our new MINIBUS

 

We’re excited to announce that MAIN has a brand new minibus, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!  Thanks to the incredible support of Awards for All, the National Lottery Fund, and our fantastic community, this new vehicle will make a world of difference to the people we support.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Trust Ford, whose kindness and generosity made this possible. Their contribution means we can continue providing vital transport services to those who rely on us. A special thank you also goes to Mick from The Procurement Partnership (TPPL) for helping to connect all the dots and making this a reality.

The feedback from our children has been awesome! They’re absolutely loving the new minibus, and we’re hearing how much they enjoy the comfortable rides and the exciting features, such as above head storage racks and WIFI connectivity.

This minibus isn’t just a new vehicle—it’s a symbol of the power of community, collaboration, and the impact of generous donations. Whether it’s helping our young people attend events, access services, or simply enjoy a day out, this new addition is going to make a huge difference.

Thank you to everyone who made this happen. We’re looking forwards, to the many journeys ahead!

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

#autismmatters

#neurodiversitymatters

 

To find out more about MAIN and our services please contact us here 

Aerial Picture of MAIN

Welcome to MAIN

Welcome to MAIN

Hello and welcome to MAIN, a Charity based in the heart of North Ormesby, dedicated to making a real difference. At MAIN, our mission is to empower our neurodiverse community, support and encourage our learning disabled community and provide a strong sense of belonging. Whether you are visiting us for the first time, a long-time supporter, or a curious observer, we want to give you a closer look at what makes us unique.

Today, we’re excited to offer you a special aerial view of our centre and take you on a virtual walk around the premises to showcase the heart and soul of what we do.

An Aerial View:  The Heart of Our Community

One of the most incredible ways to appreciate our centre is by seeing it from above. Our Charity’s building is not just a physical space—it’s a reflection of our values, of openness, and of a welcoming environment.  From an aerial view, you’ll notice the spacious layout, with large outdoor areas that invite interaction and movement. We’ve designed every inch of the building and its surroundings with our community in mind, ensuring that it feels like a safe, uplifting and happy space for everyone.

As you zoom in on the aerial shot, you’ll see how each section of the centre is interconnected. From our support service areas, to the creative activity rooms and even the quiet spaces for reflection, every part of the centre has been built to encourage connection, creativity, and personal growth.

We hope that by sharing this unique view, you’ll get a sense of how MAIN is more than just a place—it’s a community where relationships are developed and flourish.

A Walk Around the Centre: Where Change Happens

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll find inside our centre, step by step. Our building is designed to be both functional and inviting, creating an atmosphere where our community feels valued and supported.

1. Welcome and Reception Area
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by our friendly reception team who are always ready to assist with any queries.  This is the first space where you’ll feel the warmth of our community, with clear signage to guide you through our offerings and activities.

2. Pathways to Independence
Our dedicated space. provides practical and emotional learning to our young people and adults, providing personal guidance, mentorship, and practical assistance. Whether it’s job training, financial advice, or personal development, our rooms are designed to provide a peaceful and encouraging safe space.

3. Creative and Activity Spaces
One of the cornerstones of MAIN is fostering creativity and learning. Our spacious, well-lit activity room is used for our After School Clubs, Social Groups and 1:1 P.A. support. It’s in these rooms that participants get to explore new hobbies, try out new skills, and engage in group activities that boost confidence and strengthen social bonds.

4. Quiet Reflection Spaces
Understanding the importance of mental health, we have dedicated areas within the centre for quiet reflection and relaxation. These spaces allow individuals to take a time out to help self – regulate.

5. Outdoor Areas and Green Spaces
The grounds surrounding our building are just as important as the interior. With well-maintained gardens, walking paths, seating areas and outdoor play, our outdoor spaces provide a tranquil retreat for all who visit. Whether it’s for water play or climbing frames our outdoor space offers the perfect environment to connect with nature and others, build friendships and learn to share.

#TogetherRaisingSmiles

To find out more about MAIN and our services please contact us here 

Brooke Hall

Spotlight: Our Facilitator Brooke

Spotlight on Our Facilitator: Brooke

We are delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our exceptional facilitators, Brooke. Brooke’s journey with us began as a work placement student from Middlesbrough College. Her dedication and passion for helping others quickly became evident, leading her to apply for a PA/outreach worker position. Through her hard work and commitment, Brooke progressed to her current role as a facilitator.

Brooke is known for her organisational skills and conscientious approach, making her an outstanding facilitator. She has a wonderful demeanour with our young people, characterised by her kind and caring nature. Her patience with staff and her efforts in inducting new team members are truly commendable.

Brooke consistently puts in a lot of effort when planning activities for her groups, ensuring that each session is engaging and beneficial for all participants. Her dedication and positive attitude make her a valued member of our team.

Thank you, Brooke, for all that you do!

 

If you are interested in our services please contact us 

Leah Graham staff photo

Spotlight: Introducing Leah Graham, Our Facilitator for Pre and Post Autism Diagnostic Services

Spotlight: Introducing Leah Graham, Our Facilitator for Pre and Post Autism Diagnostic Services

We are excited to introduce Leah Graham, our dedicated Facilitator focusing on our Pre and Post Autism Diagnostic Service across Tees Valley. As a charity, we are committed to offering 1-1 bespoke support to anyone aged 16+ who requires assistance in understanding their diagnosis, learning about themselves, and managing anxiety, emotions, or anger.

Our Services

Leah and our team aim to help individuals access various services, including health, employment, and education. We support the development of tools such as communication profiles and reasonable adjustments, or simply provide a friendly person to listen to your current concerns while offering guidance and support from a knowledgeable viewpoint.

Our Experience

MAIN has delivered a post-diagnostic support service across County Durham for over 10 years, and we are thrilled to extend this support to our home ground in Tees Valley. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive.

About Leah Graham

Leah Graham staff photo

Leah is still currently a facilitator for our Guisborough clubs and has also been the first point of contact for our mental health bookable sessions in partnership with SJOG from September 2024 to March 2025. Leah has excellent knowledge, patience, and is passionate about making sure individuals are heard and have the appropriate support in place.


If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help!


If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please get in touch with us. We’re here to help!

Spotlight: Our Teesside Coordinators

Our Coordinators at Teesside: Leanne & Tracey

Leanne CrockettTracey Elgey

Leanne and Tracey, based at our Finlay Cooper Centre, are dedicated to coordinating our children and adult services across Tees Valley. They are here to listen to any concerns you may have and can signpost you to relevant services. If you are accessing MAIN, they ensure that your child, young adult, or yourself are understood and supported.

Leanne and Tracey will introduce themselves and explain all of our services that might interest you. If you decide to access our services, you will receive a welcome pack and complete some initial assessments. This helps us get to know the individual better and includes a care plan and risk assessment.

Both Leanne and Tracey supervise our Facilitator and PA staff to ensure that MAIN provides a welcoming, accessible, and fun environment for everyone


If you would like to speak to Leanne or Tracey to discuss our services or support please call on 01642 608012 or email here