Who are MAIN?
MAIN, was first established in 2002, as a provision to support parents and or carers of Autistic children MAIN was the brainchild of the then Head of Beverley School, Mr. Nigel Carden. Nigel was acutely aware of the lack of provision and or support available to parents and carers, with little to no information around what services, financial or practical support was available and how these could be accessed.
MAIN established a conduit between professionals and parent / carers providing advice and support around signposting, autism awareness training, a listening ear, and a place where parents and carers could openly and without judgement talk about their concerns, worries, hopes and aspirations.
From these early beginnings, it became very apparent that there was a practical need for support, MAIN developed a range of respite support to meet the needs of our families and carers, MAIN continue to have a welcoming environment where our children, young people are at the centre of our services. MAIN look at new provisions of support, working with professionals, parents, and carers to identify need, speaking to our children and adults about their goals and how we can help them achieve these in a safe environment that is fit for purpose, every element of MAIN’s work is about being in the moment, Person-Centred.
We now provide services for children, young people and adults with a range of disabilities throughout the whole of the North-East. MAIN has a mission to help local people living with a range of disabilities by giving them the skills they need to live an independent life, while having fun and making friends, which in turn gives their parent/carers a break from their caring roles.
What services do you offer?
MAIN have a range of services ranging in age groups and needs. Please contact us for more information on 01642 608012 /info@iammain.org.uk or visit our website iammain.org.uk
- Personal Assistant Support (1:1 in the community)
- Afterschool club
- Showstoppers
- Tweens and Teens
- Inbetweeners
- Youth groups
- Adventurers
- Explorers
- Adult Group
- Holiday Clubs
- Parent and Toddler Group
- Employability Group
- Share and Care Group
- Lending Library
Post diagnostic Support Service- County Durham
MAIN have been commissioned by Durham County Council, with additional funding secured from the NHS, to provide an adult autism post diagnostic support service in County Durham. We provide support, advice, advocacy and guidance to adults within the local area to help them understand their diagnosis.
MAIN’s vision and mission
Is to develop new ways of supporting and encouraging children and people who are autistic, neurodivergent, awaiting diagnosis, have a learning disability and or complex need.
MAIN want to create a world where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential, embraced for their uniqueness and included fully in all aspects of society. Is to provide a range of comprehensive support services that meet need, from our club provisions to 1:1 support in the community, our advocacy service, our resources for individuals who are neurodivergent, autistic, learning disabled and or complex needs, their families, and the wider community.
MAIN are dedicated to delivering a holistic approach that is inclusive and accepting, that promotes awareness, education, and most importantly, continues to create an atmosphere that at the centre promotes wellbeing.