While 2021 hasn’t started quite as we might have hoped, here at MAIN we have good news. Our Big Build appeal, to raise funds for a new centre of our own, has reached the half way mark. What’s more, developments at the new site are well underway, thanks to the hard work of our incredible volunteers, and the leadership of our very own Darren Holt. Here’s a quick peep at what’s been going on with MAIN’s Big Build.
Our thermometer has reached half way!
That’s right, of the £205,000 we need to raise to refurbish our new centre into the inspiring, safe and welcoming space our visitors deserve, we have raised £100,000. That’s down to the huge generosity of you fantastic supporters, and our very generous funders.
Most recently, we have received the following funding:
- £10,000 from the Edward Gostling Foundation, to create a stunning new sensory room for our new centre. We’ll have specialist lighting, flooring, music and toys designed to calm our users with a different sensory profile, and to encourage fine motor skills.
- £1,000 from Ecclesiastical Insurance, as part of their annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign. This will go a long way to creating a new break out room for our older service users to relax and enjoy.
- £1,000 worth of security equipment from Burg Wachter, which will be essential for keeping our fantastic outdoor area safe, secure and here for years to come
What can you do to help?
Every penny we can raise stays right here on Teesside and goes towards the renovation of our new centre. If you, and people like you were able to donate £5, we’ll be well on our way to reaching our target and creating a fantastic new facility for our area.
If you’re a company and would like to sponsor MAIN’s Big Build, please get in touch – we have some fantastic rewards programmes for the businesses who support us.
Before and after – progress on the ground
Thanks to the funds we’ve raised so far, we have been able to make an incredible start on the renovation work here at the Finlay Cooper Centre.
As you can see from the photos below, we’ve demolished walls, put up fencing and even created a lovely bold sign for our new home. Some of our staff are now working from here, we’ve laid a huge area of flooring for the main room, and the walls are up ready to kit out the soft play area later this month.
Without a doubt, this wouldn’t have been possible without our MAIN man, Darren Holt, and his merry band of dedicated volunteers who have been here, around the clock, working around Covid guidelines, to make our dream come true.
How can I help?
There’s still a lot of work to do in order to open our doors by summer 2021. If you or someone you know is a tradesperson that can offer time or materials to help MAIN’s Big Build, we’d love to hear from you. We’ll be glad to say thank you with a special gift, and to recognise your support on our website, our social media and our email newsletters. Please get in touch.
Business as usual
Of course, while our Big Build takes place, MAIN’s services continue undisrupted. The latest government Covid-19 guidelines mean that we are still able to provide support and respite to the families who need us most. We understand many parents are desperate for help during these difficult times. Please get in touch if you need our services and we’ll be glad to discuss how we can support you.