By Sarah Dale
28 November 2025
Can YOU help the charity this Christmas?
When children and young people are in crisis mode, they need a safe, calm space where they can regulate their emotions without causing harm to either themselves or others.
Middlesbrough-based charity MAIN supports children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability or complex needs. The charity has fantastic facilities at its North Ormesby site, but although it has a fully equipped sensory room, there isn’t a space where individuals in crisis can calm down in a room where they can’t hurt themselves.
Since the summer, the charity has been raising funds to create a purpose-built Quiet Room complete with padded walls, door and flooring made from Duratex, which is bite-proof, nail-proof and guaranteed for 15 years, and a digital skylight which can be changed at the push of a button to reflect a blue sky or relaxing hues.
MAIN has now reached £19,485.55 however, the charity still needs another £20,000 to complete the preparatory work which needs to be done by the builders before the Quiet Room can be installed.
The support for the Quiet Room has been “overwhelming” for MAIN CEO Heather Whyman.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the support we have received to make the Quiet Room a reality for our young people,” she says.
“From individual donations to sponsorship, everyone has showed such kindness and willingness to help. UK Pods have donated a Doodle Pod which will take pride of place in the Quiet Room once it is finished.
“If any business or organisation is looking for a good cause to donate to this Christmas, we would love them to consider MAIN as their chosen charity this Christmas.”
Shabnam Kirk, education director at UK Pods Ltd, said: “We are proud to support MAIN Charity Middlesbrough with the donation of a Doodle Pod. We believe every individual deserves a safe, calming space where they can regulate, recharge, and feel secure.
“The Doodle Pod is a wonderfully creative resource, which will really help to inspire a calm, focused space to support the development of emotional regulation.
“We’re delighted to help Heather and her wonderful team at MAIN continue their incredible work supporting children, young people, and families in the community.”
So far, MAIN has secured £3,000 from the Tees Foundation in grant funding, £5,500 from Redcar and Cleveland Council, £5,500 from Middlesbrough Council, £1,500 from P+HS Architects and £500 from Atomix Educational Trust.
Henry Bourner, 12, recently hit the headlines for completing sponsored walks in aid of MAIN and raising £1,462.88, Brooke, a staff member, and some of her colleagues did a sponsored walk dressed as old ladies raising £1402.94 and individual donations from kind-hearted individuals and organisations have also helped the charity hit its initial target.
“With your help, we’re creating more than a room, we’re creating possibility,” says Heather.
“This space will offer an environment where individuals can withdraw when feeling overwhelmed, allowing them time and space to re-regulate, manage emotions, and reduce stress in a supportive setting.”
The Quiet Room will play a crucial role in helping to reduce incidents of behaviours that challenge. It will provide a sensory-considerate environment tailored specifically for autistic, neurodiverse, and learning-disabled children and young people. Its purpose is to act as a positive and proactive tool that promotes emotional wellbeing, self-regulation and safety.
“Many of the children we support experience sensory overload that can lead to high levels of distress, sometimes resulting in aggression towards themselves or others,” adds Heather.
“By having access to a dedicated space where they can de-escalate safely and in their own time, we can help prevent crisis situations and better support their continued participation at MAIN.
“At present, we have several children whose placements are at risk due to the lack of such a space. Without this provision, there is a real danger of breakdown in placements, which places additional stress on families, siblings, and the wider support network. The Quiet Room is not just a physical space, it is a vital part of creating a stable, inclusive and therapeutic environment for our young people to thrive.”
The new space, which will be located within the MAIN site on Elizabeth Terrace, has been designed by Pete Stead, director of P+HS Architects. Using his design, the new space will be transformed from an empty storeroom to a peaceful haven by JPS Ltd.
Pete Stead, director of P+HS Architects, says: “This facility will be absolutely amazing for the children and young adults that MAIN support and it’s a privilege to be involved.”
Grant Glendinning, chief executive and group principal of Education Training Collective and MAIN trustee, says: “Creating a quiet, safe space for children and adults who may be in crisis is more than a project – it could represent a lifeline for someone at a particular time. Any donation, no matter the size, will be helping us reach our goal to build a sanctuary where those in need can find calm and comfort.”
Sam Anderson, CEO of Wolviston Group and MAIN supporter, says: “MAIN creates an environment where every child is valued, and I’m proud to play a small part in helping them continue that mission.”
MAIN thanks P+HS Architects, JPS Ltd, Wolviston Management Group, ATF Supplies, SW Decorators NE, Castle Construction, Tarkett UK, Teesside Family Foundation, Tees Foundation, Care Base, OOK, SASS media, Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Council, Atomix Educational Trust and everyone who has contributed so far.
To donate to MAIN for the Quiet Room, visit www.iammain.org.uk and Henry’s Just Giving page can be found at John Bourner is fundraising for MAIN.
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