Tag Archive for: Volunteering at MAIN

Splash Project coming to MAIN

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🎉 Something Very Special Is Coming to MAIN!

We are incredibly excited to share some very special news with our Friends of MAIN, families, supporters and wider community…

🌟 MAIN is getting a brand-new play area!

This October, a fantastic new play space will be created at MAIN, giving the children and young people we support a dedicated place to play, explore, have fun, build friendships and simply be themselves.

The new play area will be created specifically to provide an exciting, welcoming and inclusive space for our young people, somewhere they can enjoy new experiences, spend time with friends and make memories together.

And this is where the story behind this very special project begins…

🤝 Connecting businesses with communities

Splash Projects connects businesses and business schools with communities through purposeful social-impact projects, bringing together professional skills, resources and volunteers to create something that delivers a lasting benefit to the people who use it. Splash Projects delivers projects internationally and has worked with communities throughout the world.

MAIN has been selected as a recipient in the Northeast of England, meaning that our young people will benefit directly from this incredible community project.

The project brings together the expertise, resources and people needed to transform our outdoor space into something special.

🛠️ A project made possible through partnership

The play area is being delivered through Splash Projects, with corporate partners and volunteers coming together to create a lasting social impact.

We are particularly grateful to CBRE for being involved in making this opportunity possible. CBRE is a global commercial real estate organisation operating across more than 100 countries, and its involvement demonstrates how businesses can use their skills, people and resources to create positive outcomes within communities.

The project will also involve an incredible team of volunteers, including retired Armed Forces veterans, who will bring their time, skills and experience to the build.

❤️ What this means for MAIN

For us, this isn’t simply a new play area.

It is a new space for our young people to laugh, play, explore, socialise and create memories.

MAIN supports children and young people from 5 upwards, who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability and/or complex needs, with a vision centred around inclusion, empowerment and helping every individual reach their full potential.

We are incredibly proud that MAIN has been chosen for this project and hugely grateful to everyone who is making it happen.

📅 When is it happening?

Work will begin on Monday 19 October 2026, with the Splash Projects volunteers working throughout the week.

Then, on Friday 23 October at 4:30pm, we’ll officially unveil the finished play area with our Grand Opening! 🎉

🎉 Come and celebrate with us!

We would love our Friends of MAIN, families, supporters and community partners to join us as we celebrate this very special moment.

📅 Friday 23 October 2026
⏰ From 4:30pm
📍 MAIN – The Finlay Cooper Centre, TS3 6EN

Come and see the new play area, meet some of the amazing people who have made it possible and, most importantly, celebrate what this will mean for the children and young people who use MAIN.

A huge THANK YOU to Splash Projects, CBRE, the volunteers and everyone involved in bringing this incredible project to MAIN.

Together, we’re creating a space where our young people can play, connect, belong and raise even more smiles. 💙

#TogetherRaisingSmiles #MAIN #SplashProjects #CBRE #Community #Inclusion #Autism #Neurodiversity #LearningDisability #SocialImpact #MakingADifference

A Huge Well Done to Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

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A Huge Well Done to Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

A huge congratulations to Nicola, Billy and Chloe on completing the Middlesbrough 10K! What an achievement! 👏

We’re especially proud of our amazing staff member Nicola, who took on the challenge to help raise awareness and funds for MAIN. Her commitment, determination and support mean so much to us, and we’re incredibly grateful that she chose to represent MAIN through the event. 💙

We’d also like to say a massive well done to Billy and Chloe for completing the 10K. We hope you’re all feeling very proud of yourselves!

And, of course, a huge thank you to everyone who took part in the Middlesbrough 10K, especially those who ran to raise money and awareness for charities and causes close to their hearts. Your support, fundraising and dedication make such a difference, and we really appreciate everything you do. 💙

From all of us at MAIN — well done, Nicola, Billy and Chloe! 🏅🎉

#Middlesbrough10K #MAIN #CharityFundraising #WellDone #TeamMAIN #CommunitySupport

#togetherraisingsmiles

we are hiring pa and outreach workers

Join MAIN be part of something AMAZING

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Join MAIN: Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you looking for a role where your work truly matters? At MAIN, we’re always looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our growing team, whether that’s in a paid position or as a valued member of our volunteer bureau.

MAIN supports children and young people from the age of 5 through to adulthood, delivering services at our Middlesbrough centre and out in the community. We work closely with families and carers to achieve the best possible outcomes, focusing on building life skills, confidence, and independence, while always keeping happiness at the heart of everything we do.

Our work spans a wide range of support, including autism, neurodiversity, learning disabilities, and complex needs. We offer short breaks, alternative education provision, adult day services, transition support into adulthood, and even online chat groups, creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone we work with.

There are many ways to get involved. You might work directly with children and young people, helping them grow and thrive. Or you could support behind the scenes in areas like administration, finance, marketing, or social media, each role playing a vital part in making our services possible.

By joining MAIN, you’re not just taking on a role, you’re becoming part of a community that is committed, compassionate, and driven to make a difference every single day.

If you want to be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please visit our website at www.iammain.org.uk or email info@iammain.org.uk to request an application form.

#togetherraisingsmiles

 

 

Children’s Mental Health Week 9th – 15th February 2026

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It’s Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year, we’re shining a light on every unique way of thinking, feeling, and being. 🌟

Whether your child is neurodiverse, neurotypical, or somewhere in between, this week is all about listening, sharing, and celebrating feelings, the good, the messy, and even the “wait, what just happened?!” kind.

Here’s the thing: every feeling matters.  Anxiety?  Frustration?  Joy?  Excitement?  They’re all part of the story, and every story deserves to be heard. 🎨📝

So, how can we make this week a little brighter (and a lot more supportive)?

1️⃣ Talk, doodle, or dance it out – Not everyone can put feelings into words.  That’s okay! Drawing, journaling, or even dancing like nobody’s watching are all superpower-level ways to express yourself.

2️⃣ Celebrate strengths – Neurodiverse kids often see the world differently and that’s a gift!  Maybe it’s a quirky sense of humour, a lightning-fast memory, or a way of noticing details others miss. Cheer it, celebrate it, and let them know it matters. 🌈

3️⃣ Create safe spaces – A quiet corner, a calming playlist, or a favorite fidget toy can make a huge difference. Support looks like listening without judgment, asking open questions like “How are you feeling?” and giving space to answer in their own way.

4️⃣ Share and connect – You’re not alone, and neither are they.  Sharing stories, tips, or even small victories builds understanding, empathy, and community. 💌

Remember, mental health isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about nurturing growth, kindness, and connection. And a little humour along the way never hurts. 😉

💛 This Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s promise to:

  • Listen more than we talk

  • Celebrate every brain, every feeling, and every win

  • Remind children (and ourselves) that it’s okay to ask for help, to pause, and to be exactly who we are

Because in the end, love, care, and understanding are the superpowers that make every child feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

2026 – Be Kind to Yourself and to Others

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Closing the Year with Care: A Neurodivergent Look Ahead to 2026

As the year ends, many people naturally pause to reflect on what has been and begin to think about what lies ahead. For neurodivergent people, including our autistic community, this time of year can bring a wide mix of emotions. There may be relief, pride, tiredness, hope, or uncertainty about change. Some people may also experience loneliness, or sadness when seeing other families celebrating in ways that aren’t accessible or possible for their own family.  All these feelings are valid, and none of them need fixing.

Rather than placing pressure or holding unrealistic expectations, this moment offers a gentle opportunity to pause, reset, and consider how the coming year might feel safer, kinder, and more supportive. It might help to ask:

  • What do I need?
  • What do my family and loved ones need?

Reflecting on the Year Just Gone – Without Judgment

Reflection doesn’t have to involve criticism.  For neurodivergent people, simply moving through a year in a world that isn’t always designed with us in mind, is an achievement.  Sometimes we overlook how much we’ve managed, adapted, and learnt along the way. Taking time to recognise your achievements matters.

You may have discovered new ways to cope, communicate, or care for yourself, continue that learning into 2026.

You might gently reflect on questions such as:

  • What helped me feel calm or supported this year?
  • Do I need more support moving forward?
  • When did I feel most like myself?
  • What drained my energy, and what helped restore it?
  • What did I learn about my needs?
  • What do I still want to understand better?
  • Who are my safe people?

There are no right or wrong answers here. Reflection is about understanding yourself with kindness, not placing blame.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Planning That Works for Neurodivergent Lives

Traditional goal setting can feel overwhelming or unrealistic.  Neurodivergent-friendly planning focuses instead on flexibility, support, and compassion.

Helpful approaches might include:

  • Choosing a gentle theme for 2026 instead of strict goals (such as wellbeing, balance, connection, or understanding myself)
  • Breaking plans into small, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm
  • Using tools that suit you — visual planners, reminders, routines, or lists
  • Planning rest and downtime as essential parts of life, not optional extras, to help reduce burnout

Your plans don’t need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful or valid.

Happiness on Your Own Terms

Happiness doesn’t mean feeling positive all the time.  For many autistic and neurodivergent people, happiness often looks like:

  • Feeling safe and accepted
  • Having needs recognised and respected
  • Being able to reduce masking and be yourself
  • Enjoying interests without guilt
  • Having predictability, choice, and understanding

A helpful question to carry forward is:
What helps me feel more at ease in my everyday life?

Those answers can gently guide you through 2026.

Staying Safe as You Move into a New Year

Safety is a vital part of wellbeing.  You can support your sense of safety by:

  • Setting clear boundaries around time, energy, and communication
  • Noticing early signs of stress or becoming overwhelmed
  • Staying connected with trusted people, services, or routines
  • Taking breaks from social media or news when it feels too much
  • Trusting your instincts
  • Asking for what you need, and seeking support with self-advocacy when that feels difficult

You deserve spaces where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Please feel welcome to ask us about the support available for you and your loved ones within our neurodivergent community.

A Message from MAIN

At MAIN, our wish is simple and heartfelt.  As we move into 2026, we wish everyone a new year that is not only joyful, but also safe, compassionate, and respectful.

We believe happiness grows when people are supported to be themselves, when differences are valued, and when wellbeing comes first. As the new year begins, we encourage you to move forward at your own pace, ask for support when you need it, and prioritise what truly helps you feel secure and included.

Moving Forward with Compassion

You do not need to change who you are in the new year. You are not behind, and you are not failing if things feel hard.

Let 2026 be a year where:

  • Your needs are taken seriously
  • Progress is measured in comfort and wellbeing, not pressure
  • Rest and growth are both welcome
  • Kindness toward yourself is a priority

However you are ending this year, you are welcome in the next one exactly as you are.

From all of us at MAIN, we wish you a safe, supportive, and caring 2026.

MAIN need a Quiet Space

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Help Us Build a Lifeline — MAIN’s Quiet Room Is Within Reach

At MAIN, we see every day how powerful the right environment can be for a child or young person in crisis. For some, a moment of overwhelm can feel like a storm they can’t escape. What they need isn’t punishment or restraint, they need calm. They need safety. They need a space designed with their needs, not their behaviours, at the centre.

And right now, we’re closer than ever to making that space a reality.

Over the last few months, individuals, families, local businesses and community partners have blown us away with their generosity. From sponsored walks (including staff dressed-up as old ladies!) to young Henry’s inspiring fundraising journey, every single person has helped us take huge steps toward creating our purpose-built Quiet Room — a safe, padded, sensory-considerate space where autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled young people can regulate without risk of harm.

We’ve raised an incredible £19,485 so far.

But to complete the essential preparatory work,  the builder stage that must be done before installation, we still need £20,000.

With padded Duratex walls, a calming digital skylight and specialist equipment including a donated Doodle Pod from UK Pods, this Quiet Room will transform lives. It will prevent crisis from becoming chaos. It will help young people find peace in their hardest moments. And it will give families, staff and the wider community a space that supports emotional safety and wellbeing.

This Christmas, we’re asking local businesses and supporters to stand with us.

If you or your organisation is choosing a cause to support this year, please consider helping us finish the Quiet Room. Your donation isn’t just funding a room — it’s giving children and young people the dignity, calm and compassion they deserve.

To donate – please follow the link on our website.

Below is the full news article as published, and we are so proud to share the incredible support that’s helping us turn this dream into a much-needed reality.

read full article here

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

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.

    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.