Dyslexia Action Community Groups!

Hi,

I wanted to ask if there are parents, students and adult learners out there who would be interested in hearing about community groups in their local area?

Dyslexia Action are currently setting up community groups throughout the country so that people have a support network in their local area. We find that many people are looking to join a group where they can meet with like minded people and discuss the issues that they may be facing together.

We imagine that these groups will be used as a support network but also as a positive place where members can create awareness about dyslexia in their local community and even organise fun events!

It would be great to know your thoughts on this as we hope to make these community groups a huge success!

Many thanks,

Anna

[Edwilson]

Hi Anna

I'm not neccissarily volunteering but this sounds quite interesting and I think something that could be really good for offering support where people don't neccissarily realise there is support. What kind of thing are you looking to do within a group and what are you looking for in somebody to set it up?

Ta

Ed

[helsbels1969]

Hi Anna,

I have been recently enquiring about setting up a group in the area where I live.

I would be very interested in setting up a group, as I want to be able to support people that suffer as I do and can understand what it feels like to be dyslexic.

Please let me know if I can be of any help.

Thanks

Helen

[Hidden]

Hi Ed & Helen,

Thank you for your comments.

We are on the look out for Dyslexia Action Ambassadors; passionate people who are proactive, creative and organised who are keen to drive these groups forward. Dyslexia Action Ambassadors will be at the forefront of our charity and will help recruit new volunteers and lead these local groups. I imagine that these groups will meet perhaps once a month or once a term, and will be a place for members to share their experiences and meet like minded people. If members are looking to be proactive within the local community then this could also be a place to organise various community events such as a pub quiz, a curry night or even just having a stand at the local fete to create awareness about dyslexia and to also fundraise for our charity at the same time.

We also need members for our groups and the door is open to absolutely anyone. All we need to check is that there is an Ambassador already in your local area and then we can pass them your contact details.

If this is of interest, it would be great to hear from you. My email address is [e-mail] and if you could send me details of where you live that would be great!!

Many thanks,

Anna

[301606]

I am very keen on exploring community groups and yes I would like to part of one.

I am not so keen on Dyslexia Action Ambassadors. This is because I think this is a cheap approach and following in the governments footsteps of wanting knowledge, experience and qualifications on the cheap.

Why does Dyslexia Action not employ a Welfare Officer/Coordinator to set up this programme?

[301606]

301606

You can talk to changing faces and clappa, how they have created a young person's committee and how they support young people with facial impairment. Both organisation's are trying hard to reach young people. With the exceptions of lessons in literacy and numeracy I am not sure Dyslexia Action does this. I think you need to much more proactive in meeting young people, rather than just providing lessons. Dyslexia Action should not just include lessons, it should reach the whole child. How about commencing a young persons committee to represent young people with Dyslexia?

I think all groups will need support. If you explore, SCOPE. I believe they put those people who want to support others through a course first.

I do not think it is as easy as you are suggesting in setting up a group. Yes find out an interest, but, then these groups need training and supporting.

Will e-mail support be better than a group, again people will need training. I live in HULL area.

Another thing Dyslexia Action can do is to provide my workshops for young people in Year 9 to organise their study programme.

[Hidden]

Hi 301606,

Thank you for your comment.

I think you may have misunderstood my intentions in the previous email as I will actually be heading up and supporting all of the community groups nationwide.

The name Ambassador will be used for those volunteers who are keen to set up a community group in their area and who want to take the lead with these groups. Ambassadors could be responsible for leading group discussions and organising a date for the next meeting but in no way would we expect Ambassadors to feel obliged to support our work in any way. This will be for those who want to give their time and who will enjoy leading and attending these groups.

Any queries or questions will be directed straight to me and I will assist all groups with any organising that they may want to do.

I hope that this answers your question.

If you would like to join a community group then please email me at [e-mail] where I can direct you further.

Best wishes,

Anna

[Hidden]

Hi 301606

Thank you for providing us with some interesting ideas. I will certainly look into these charities and what they currently provide for young people.

At the moment our focus is to set up local community groups but then we can definitely explore the possibility of a young persons committee.

Our groups will not be specialist support groups, they will be a peer to peer group where like minded people can get together and support one another. Training will therefore not need to be provided as we want this to be a fun and positive place where anyone can join and become involved.

Many thanks,

Anna

[Hidden]

This sounds a great idea, and one I would love to help with. I have days where I feel alone with my struggles with my dyslexic son, and although friends try and help they don't quite understand what it is like to see your child have to struggle so hard to do things their children take for granted. So I would love to set up a group or join one in Gloucester/Cheltenham.

[goldblackandgreen]

Hi Anna,

Being new to this website it is brilliant to see the support it offers! As a parent of a teenager recently diagnosed with a dyslexia, and a primary school teacher struggling to support parents and children living with dyslexia where the system doesn't allow, it would be great to have a local support group.

[ClareLou]

Hi Anna,

This is Somthing that is needed for all ages, would be a great oppatunity for people to share, knowledge and tips. I would love to be involved in some way please keep updated of developments

[jentopt]

I belong to a support group in South Wales but it is not reaching out to the community & is poorly attended. I would be interested in receiving any suggestions as to how best to promote our group. many Thanks jenny

[jentopt]

Hi Anna, i hadn't seen this post which is why I haven't replied sooner. I am treasurer of West Wales Dyslexia Association in Swansea, South Wales.

I am trying to start a group for parents of dyslexic children or adults who are themselves dyslexic but am finding it quite difficult. I would be more than willing to help support such a network as you suggest.

Please contact me with any information.

[Mrynelson]

People concerned with Dyslexia and the effects on learning and life should form a group. I never saw these post which is why there was no reply. It’s unfortunate but indicative of the lack of known resources.As a person who is dyslexic I apologize because the least that could have and should have been provided was interest and discussion.