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Appeal to create 'peaceful haven' for youngsters

Dawn McNamara A woman standing in empty room, next to a stepladder. She is wearing dark trousers and a pink and white patterned jacked. The room is unfurnished, and in a state of disrepair, with torn up skirting boards and uncovered and unpainted walls.Dawn McNamara
The space would be located in a former storeroom at the charity's North Ormesby base

A charity which works with neurodivergent young people is appealing for help to transform an empty storeroom into a "peaceful haven".

MAIN, based in Middlesbrough, is seeking £25,000 to create a quiet room - a sensory-controlled space for youngsters to use when feeling overwhelmed.

The "calm, safe and low-stimulation environment" would allow them to manage emotions, reduce stress and "help prevent crisis situations", the charity said

Some businesses have offered their expertise for free, but funds are needed for materials to complete the project.

MAIN supports children and adults who are autistic, neurodivergent, have learning disabilities or complex needs.

Services include one-to-one support, opportunities to experience new activities, a parent forum group, along with advice and guidance.

P+HS Architects Artist's impression of a planned quiet room - a sensory-controlled environment tailored specifically for autistic, neurodiverse, and learning-disabled children. It features padded walls in a shade of blue green, with a grey floor and ceiling, the latter having a large skylight with a digital image of blue sky with some clouds. It is empty of furniture.P+HS Architects
The room would have a digital skylight, which would change to reflect a blue sky or relaxing hues

MAIN CEO Heather Whyman, said: "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.

"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."

The quiet room would be a "vital part" of creating a "stable, inclusive and therapeutic environment", she said.

"We have such great support from the local community and we know that times are hard for lots of people, but we are a very small charity which relies heavily on donations.

"Everyone who is helping us – from the architect to the building works, public relations to marketing support - is doing it for free simply because they strongly believe it is the right thing to do."

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