Despite being a micro business, SASS media is committed to providing social value hours where possible to support clients, charities and local good causes.
The PR, journalism and communication company’s co-founders and directors Sarah Dale and Sarah Walker recently started working with Teesside-based charity MAIN on a campaign to raise £25,000 for a vital safe space at its Middlesbrough base for children and young people in crisis.
MAIN urgently needs £25,000 to create a safe quiet space for children and young people in heightened emotional states.
The charity, which supports children and young people who are autistic, neurodivergent, have a learning disability or complex needs, is calling on the north-east business community to be a “force for good” and pledge its support.
“Our Quiet Room will be a calm, safe and low-stimulation space designed to support the emotional regulation of the children and young people we work with at MAIN,” says CEO Heather Whyman.
“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.
“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 in Middlesbrough, has been designed by Pete Stead, director of P+HS Architects, who is also the trustee chair of MAIN. Using his design, the new space will be transformed from an empty storeroom to a peaceful haven by JPS Ltd.
Features of the room will include padded walls, door and floor 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.
“The quicker we raise the money, the quicker our children and young people will be safer – it is as simple as that,” says Heather.
“This space will keep all our children safe and ensures that we can continue with our mission of never turning any child or young person away.”
MAIN provides a range of services including one-to-one support, opportunities to experience new activities with trained team members, club activities divided into different age groups, a parent forum group, and advice and guidance.
Heather adds: “Everyone who is helping us, from the architect to the builders to public relations, is doing it for free simply because they strongly believe it is the right thing to do. The funds we need are for materials to complete the project.”
Pete Stead, director of P+HS Architects and MAIN trustee chair, said: “This facility will be absolutely amazing for the children and young adults that MAIN support and it’s a continued privilege to be involved from both my trusteeship and also as a director at P+HS Architects.”
Grant Glendinning, chief executive and group principal of Education Training Collective and MAIN trustee, said: “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.”
A huge thank you to everyone who has already pledged their support: 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 and SASS media.
To join the force for good, visit www.iammain.org.uk
Find out more about SASS media at www.sassmedialtd.co.uk or email: sarah.dale@sassmedialtd.co.uk to enquire about PR and communications strategy support.