News: MCT Ted on tour. Follow his adventures here.
In 2022 we gifted dozens of MCT Teds to carers. We now want Ted to go on a tour. If you received a Ted (and you are able) we’d like you to : Take Ted out , take a photo & send it to us with a description of where they went etc & we will share on our website and social media. It doesn’t need to be on an exotic holiday : It could be shopping, CAMHS, hospital appointment, sporting event, concert, a walk, in the garden, a day out, a holiday etc. If you want to pass him onto someone else to go on a new adventure at some point that’s fine. Note – We don’t have any Teds available but you maybe able to loan one at some point. Email pics of Ted’s adventures to info@mctdurham.co.uk . #mctdurhamtedontour
Where has Ted been?
19th May 2025
Ted Thompson is travelling to Butlins , Skegness today. This morning he travelled from Newcastle using the train Passenger Assistance Service. Ted has had staff meet him off the train and helped him with his luggage and let him go to a quiet space.
To book passenger assistance you can visit the website of the train company that your tickets are with and either chat online or phone to book assistance. Ted used LNER but all train companies have this offer and will help with other companies if you are using multiple trains / train companies like Ted is today. He was also pictured at Doncaster and Grantham stations. Have fun on your 1st trip with your family Ted 
22nd May 2025
Ted Thompson has been having a fabulous time in Butlins this week and has sent some photos…
23rd May 2025
Ted L & Ted B are off on a big adventure to Wembley tomorrow to watch the Championship play-offs with 2 MCT volunteers.
What are your score predictions? Ted thinks 2-1 to Sunderland
Edit 25/5/25 – Seems Ted L was SPOT ON with his prediction. Well done Sunderland AFC.
24th May 2025
Some photos of Ted L and Ted B is in their seat at Wembley & another of Ted L loving a supporters SAFC hat.
24th May 2025
Ted R is having fun with his family at Haggerston Castle this weekend.
24th May 2025
Teddy T is preparing for a fun weekend and routing for his beloved Newcastle United.
25th May 2025
Today Teddy Rob is having fun with his family at the park
25th May 2025
Ted B in box park Camden town for some grown up beverages following last nights celebrations at Wembley.
25th May 2025
Teddy T is currently on his first hen do in Lancashire this weekend.
26th May 2025
Ted B having fun at Camden Market in London.
26th May 2025
Ted R had lots of fun on his first holiday.
28th May 2025
Today Ted S went on The Ghost Bus Tour in York & met Frank Stein the tour guide.
29th May 2025
Today Ted S had a ride on a golf buggy at Allerthorpe golf and country park in York. Hang on tight Ted!
11th June 2025
Today Ted B has been to Hope Wood academy to learn about their expansion plans for Sept 2025 in Peterlee & Jan 2026 in Horden. Exciting stuff!
12th June 2025
Tonight Ted Thompson went to DADLG’s Infinite Air session. He had fun with his human friends on the trampolines.
23rd June 2025
Tonight Teddy T is at Sunderland Empire watching the amazing international hit musical Hamilton.
Don’t throw away your shot Teddy T 🙂
24th June 2025
Ted working lunch today.
24th June 2025
Teddy K has been to boxing with DADLG tonight.
25th June 2025
Today Ted R LOVED the “extra ordinary” display by Debbie Todd Photographer . Check out the full display of photos on the walls upstairs at the Metro Centre.
25th June 2025
Today Ted Thompson, Ted L & Ted R attended the regional PCF meeting & looked around the Metro centre. Ted Thompson had a ride on the Metro Centre train, Ted R had a sit in a Tesla car , Ted L looked at some watches , Ted L and Ted R hid in the bushes & Ted R and Ted Thompson sat on a large pink bear.
8th July 2025
Teddy T and Ted Thompson attended our AGM today.
14th July 2025
Today Ted L helped his young friend at Hartlepool wheelchair services. He told us – Over 18s can self refer on the website and under 18s need to go through their GP, Physio or OT. What area you get assigned to depends upon what area your gp is registered with.
15th July 2025
Today Ted Thompson has been busy.. First: This morning he went to the Waves Family support group and Lee house….
Then this afternoon… Ted Thompson went to a brass concert at school where a child who struggles to perform in front of people performed today.
And finally… Ted Thompson became emotional support Ted this afternoon going to A&E with his young friend. No breaks that they can see so plenty of rest and pain relief for him.
16th July 2025
Teddy T is on the train on his way to a special occasion to see his big sister graduate in York.
16th July 2025
Ted R is enjoying a few days away in a lodge near Catterick this week. Tonight he went into a hot tub for the first time.
16th July 2025
Teddy K enjoyed The Hole in Wand today.
17th July 2025
Teddy T is going on a Balearic adventure this week with his family and became Captain Ted this morning on his first ever flight Thank you Jet2.com & Jet2holidays
18th July 2025
Today Teddy T was living his best life by having a relaxing pool day in Majorca.
19th July 2025
Ted B is being a fancy pants today enjoying a tipple in Harvey Nichols, Leeds whilst celebrating Mrs Bs birthday.
21st July 2025
Today Teddy Rob has been to the library to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
21st July 2025
Teddy DB has gone on the aeroplane on his holidays.
24th July 2025
MCT Ted Thompson is at Tweedle Farm today.
Tweddle Farm is a family run farm situated in Blackhall Colliery. Suitable for all ages and a great family day out. Tweddle Farm host activities throughout the year and throughout the day they have animal handling and feeding sessions.
The farm do concessionary tickets for families who can produce evidence of their caring role. They accept Max Cards, Carer’s card and statements that show evidence of a caring role. They also doing a concessionary booking for parties of over 10 people. All information can be found on the website HERE.
29th July 2025
Ted B went away to Hearts & Hull to see Sunderland play their pre season friendlies too.
30th July 2025
Ted B has travelled with his family from Glasgow to Dalaman with easyjet today. 
He then enjoyed a refreshing fanta in the transfer from Dalaman airport to their hotel. 
Airport special assistance can be booked in advance via your airline & is available to or from 99.9% of airports.
☆ Special assistance numbers & links
Easyjet – https://www.easyjet.com/…/boarding…/special-assistance / +44 0800 2606686
Jet2- 0333 006 8798
Flight only website- https://www.jet2.com/assisted-travel / .
Package holiday website- https://www.jet2holidays.com/assisted-travel
Can also be booked when booking holiday via app or website.
Tui – https://www.tui.co.uk/dest…/info/assisted-travel-with-tui/ / 0800 145 6920
Ryanair – https://help.ryanair.com/…/12489466690833-Special…
30th July 2025
Today Ted L visited Random Retreats CIC. Random’s Retreat CIC is a Community Interest Company based in Consett, they offer a bespoke service which carers for everyone and is very individual focused. They Equine Assisted Learning, Equimotional a horse based therapy to promote confidence building and emotional regulation, Random Rascals and a wide range of educationally based packages to suit your family.
They offer programs for: Under 5’s, School age, Teenage Families, Adults (men and women individual packages), Corporate, school and group bookings, Veterans.For more information contact Mandy at https://www.randomsretreatcic.co.uk or give their page a follow on Facebook.
4th August 2025
Tonight Teddy T is at Sunderland Empire watching Chicago. Show them some of your “razzle dazzle” Teddy T.
5th August 2025
Earlier Today Ted B was taking some respite in a bar out the way of the 38 degree heat then had a dip in the pool. He went on a boat trip yesterday but was too hot for Ted to make an appearance. But he has another trip on Wednesday so might be able to make a show.
6th August 2025
Can you spot Ted?
Ted Thompson attended an appointment at the Niall Quinn Centre with one of his friends yesterday.The Niall Quinn Centre is the Paediatrics Outpatients at Sunderland Royal Hospital. They take referrals for a wide range of medical concerns that your GP may feel needs a more specialist overview.People within East Durham are often referred here however you can opt to be seen at Sunderland if you are in the Durham area if it is preferred.
Services include but are not restricted to:
Paediatric Cardiology service, Respiratory services (Including Asthma clinic), Epilepsy team, • Gastroenterology based conditions, Allergy Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Endocrine & Neuro-disability team
7th August 2025
Teddy K has had a great day at Yorkshire wildlife park today. Their fabulous accessibility info HERE
7th August 2025
Today Ted B had lots of fun on the party boat, (totally mis-sold the sunset cruise), 2 visits to Wapakuu then off for a burger.
8th August 2025
Teddy T is on his travels again… This time at St James’ Park watching his beloved Newcastle United vs RCD Espanyol. He even made it onto the pitch at St James’ Park to say hi to tonight’s referees.
9th August 2025
Teddy T is back at St James’ Park watching his beloved Newcastle United. Today 2 matches – Newcastle United women Vs Atlético Madrid and Newcastle United mens team v Atlético Madrid for the Sela Cup.
12th August 2025
Ted L is taking his family’s car to get a tyre check. Remember – Kwik Fit is the Motability partner for your tyres.
14th August 2025
Ted S’s adventure so far this week. He went to see Blackpool tower, had a sunset walk long beach and met a pirate mate in Coral Island. He also had fun in a hot tub
14th August 2025
Teddy T had fun in the sun at Beamish Museum today 
Find their amazing indepth accessibilty information here – https://www.beamish.org.uk/accessibility/
14th August 2025
Today Ted S has been to a sunny Blackpool Zoo.
View their accessibilty info here – https://www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk/…/relevan…/accessibility
15th August 2025
Ted Thompson attended the Little Treasures Send Event today. More photos on facebook post HERE
20th August 2025
Tonight Teddy T is looking forward to watching Bat out of hell @ Sunderland Empire. Teddy T loves Meatloaf. Who knew?
20th August 2025
Tonight Ted B went to Vue, Hartlepool to watch the “YungBlud, Are you ready, Boy?” documentary. He’s had a great evening.
24th August 2025
Ted B enjoyed a day at Diggerland with some friends who have sotos syndrome.
Find Diggerlands accessibilty info HERE , Find out about SOTOS HERE
25th August 2025
Teddy Rob is having fun on his summer holiday. He’s started his jigsaw so he’ll have to finish it now! 
Edit – Teddy Rob has finished it
25th August 2025
No prizes for guessing where Teddy T is tonight.
26th August 2025
After an action packed evening at St James’ Park last night- Teddy T is letting off some steam at Wharton Park. Info on Wharton park HERE
Watch a video of his adventures on our Facebook page HERE
27th August 2025
Today Teddy Rob went to Scotland. He visited Dunbar, did some sight seeing and shopping and then had lunch at a soft play centre.
27th August 2025
Teddy T loves Beamish Museum and was back again today and took some amazing photos. See more photos on our Facebook post HERE
1st September 2025
Ted Thompson has been to the Galleries at Washington today. Panic buying school shirts after one of their humans had a sudden growth spurt.
For accessibility information the Galleries use the AccessAble website HERE.
1st September 2025
Ted Thompson has been to Sunderland Royal for a hearing test with Mini Thompson today. He had to listen out for a series of beeps some loud some really quiet and press a button when he heard the sounds, they both did amazing! While Ted was waiting he found some interesting information about the Reasonable Adjustments Campaign. Find info HERE.
2nd September 2025
Ted B also did a double hotpod yoga session to end the summer holidays nice and relaxed.
7th September 2025
Last week, Ted R visited Benidorm and Valencia with his family. It was very hot but he had a lovely time.
15th September 2025
Teddy L visited Dadlg’s coffee morning today. He has fun meeting new people.
25th October 2025
Today Teddy L went for Afternoon tea which he really enjoyed.
10th January 2026
Today Ted B visited Liverpool for the Sunderland Vs Everton FA cup game. It was a nervous game but he’s happy Sunderland won on penalties.
8th March 2026
Ted attended the SENDsational gala at Redworth Hall last night as MCT Durham PCF were nominated for the “Bridging the gap” award. He had a great night.
11th March 2026
Today Ted had fun at MCT and Choice Wellbeing Service CIC Advocacy workshop. Find out about Choice Wellbeing HERE
16th March 2026
Ted had great fun with parent carers doing a Makaton workshop with Lauren Young Makaton Tutor this morning. He even made a new friend.
23rd March 2026
Ted had fun this afternoon at MCT and Wellbeing for Life’s “Stress Awareness” workshop. Find information on Wellbeing for Life and what they offer HERE.
30th March 2026
Ted had fun this morning at MCTs workshop on “Finding Your Families Regulation Rhythm” with Therapeeze – The InnerMe Project
5th April 2026
This week Teddy T had fun in Turkey with his family. Picture below was taken at Newcastle Airport.
6th April 2026
This week Ted R had fun in the sun in Finestrat and Benidorm with his family.
11th April 2026
Today Teddy DB enjoyed his last breakfast at Cayton village club site. He has enjoyed visiting Scarborough.
16th April 2026
Today Ted and the MCT Durham PCF team had a fabulous time at Choice Wellbeing Service CIC Rainbow Guide Live at the Beacon of light in Sunderland . Such an amazing event. Thank you to all involved. Catch a fabulous full video of Ted’s day on our Facebook page HERE
20th April 2026
Teddy K had so much fun in Bendrigg over the weekend with DADLG. Catch a full video of Teddy Ks adventures on our Facebook page HERE
28th April 2026
Today Ted Thompson visited the Louisa Centre in Stanley for SENDIASS’ Neurodevelopmental Family Support Roadshow. Find a video of the event on our Facebook page HERE. These events are a local one-stop shop of support to meet a range of services all in one place, ready to offer advice and guidance around special educational needs and disabilities. This is your chance to:
Drop in—no appointment needed
Meet the SENDIASS team
Access advice and support from local services
For more info on the location of future roadshows visit: https://durhamsendiass.info/dropinsessions/
2nd May 2026
Today Ted S, together with our Co Chair Amy, attended the SEND Reform Consultation event held by Alan Strickland who is the MP for the Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor Constituency. Families shared their stories and are hoping for better schooling.
5th May 2026
Today Ted Thompson helped with the final conference rep. Catch a full video of Ted Thompson’s hard work on our Facebook page HERE
6th May 2026
Thank you to everyone who attended our conferences today. Ted had fun at his first parent carer conference and even though it was a long day, and he is feeling tired , he appreciates all the engagement and contributions. It was worth it. Find a video of Ted’s day on our Facebook page HERE. Video is also on our TikTok and Instagram.
11th May 2026
This weekend Ted R enjoyed time with his family at Reighton Sands in North Yorkshire. His family ensured he was secure in his car seat during travel and while shopping for supplies.
Car safety for Ted, children, young people, and adults is of utmost importance. Several members of our MCT team use Crelling harnesses and Houdini straps to ensure the safety of their children while travelling.
A Crelling harness can be used with or without Houdini straps for added security. These harnesses can be directly attached to standard car seats. They are available in various styles and sizes. Additionally, there is a specialised car seat available, although our team members are not fully familiar with this model therefore we cannot comment confidently about it. For more information, please visit: https://www.crelling.com/ .
Houdini-type fasteners are designed to prevent children or young people from unbuckling or escaping from their car seats. An example can be found here: https://amzn.eu/d/0baSgHfm
13th May 2026
Today Ted Thomson visited Choice Wellbeing Service CIC to see their brand new CHoice HQ grand opening. Ted was joined by many other guests. The staff hosted a meet, greet and guided their guests around the new hub which consists of new therapy suites, accessible changing facilities, a nook area full of resources including their own and more! They also boast a large space suitable for a range of different events from training, to socialising and in the case of Ted’s visit to present to their guests their past successes and future goals. To find out what is upcoming at Choice HQ follow this link: https://www.choicewellbeingservice.org/whatson? Find a video of Ted’s day on our Facebook page HERE
3rd June 2026
This week Ted R had fun with his family in sunny Crete. He visited some amazing places in a road buggy and went for swim.
11th June 2026
Teddy Rob is attending Durham SEND Information, Advice, Support Service virtual neurodevelopmental drop in this evening.
CHECK BACK TO SEE WHERE TED GOES NEXT………
#mctdurhamtedontour
Posted on: 19th May 2025