dyslexia | Helen Arkell

Christmas Champions – Unwrap a New Future

This Christmas we have launched our crowdfunding campaign to help us provide vital support for people with dyslexia from disadvantaged backgrounds.

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard and little government funding available, many families are unable to afford essential dyslexia assessments and tutoring. But together, we can change that.

🌟 Making a Difference

Every year, we support over 1,500 individuals with dyslexia. Thanks to donations, 93% of those we help report improved confidence and reduced anxiety, while 94% experience enhanced literacy skills.

This year, our Christmas Crowdfunding Campaign, we are calling on our supporters to help us raise funds make sure everyone can get the advice and support they need on their journey with dyslexia.

🎁 How You Can Help

£15 can part-fund family consultations
£75 can contribute to a life-changing assessment for a child
As a thank-you, donations of £75 or more will receive a pack of our beautiful Christmas cards!

🌟 Be a Christmas Champion

Visit our Christmas Champions – Unwrap a New Future Crowdfunder page and help us make sure every child and adult who needs support can access it—this Christmas and beyond.

Together, we can empower more learners and give the gift of confidence, literacy, and a brighter future.

Thank you for being a part of the change this holiday season. 🎄

By Marcy Rice|2024-12-09T16:18:52+00:00November 26th, 2024|Latest news, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Signed ‘Max Magic’ books now available in our shop!

We are delighted to announce that we are now selling signed copies of the Max Magic trilogy, written by Farnham author Tom Easton and TV’s Magician Stephen Mullhern.

These books are now available in our bookshop and make the perfect Christmas present for any young reader. The magical stories for children follow the story of Max, a budding young magician, inspired by Stephen Mulhern’s incredible story of his journey to become a magician, performer and TV star.

“These engaging books are perfect for sparking children’s imaginations. Thank you for presenting these in a dyslexia-friendly format for our learners,” said Claire Harvey, Head of Education at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.

We stock all three books in the Max Magic collection, which you can order online or find them at our Farnham Centre.

Watch the special message from author Tom here and stop at our shop for more ‘magical’ stocking fillers for all ages this Christmas!

By Helen Arkell|2024-12-09T16:18:26+00:00November 15th, 2024|Latest news, Shop news|0 Comments

Goals for Good: Community Spirit Shines as Farnham FC Hosts Dyslexia Awareness Week Charity Game

On Saturday, October 12th, Farnham FC took on Southall FC in a memorable match that united local football fans for an important cause: supporting dyslexia awareness. Held as part of Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024, the charity match successfully raised £100 for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, which will go on to help many more individuals with dyslexia through support, resources, and advocacy.

This year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week theme, “What’s Your Story?” resonated deeply throughout the event, drawing football fans and community members together to share stories, raise awareness, and celebrate the vital work done by Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.

Victoria Brighton, Individual Giving Officer at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “We’re deeply grateful to Farnham FC and all the supporters who came together to raise awareness and funds for dyslexia on the day,” she said. “Every contribution helps us continue our mission of supporting individuals with dyslexia.”

The match at Farnham FC was part of a series of events organized for Dyslexia Awareness Week (October 7-13). Other highlights included community gatherings at The Shed in Bordon and the Tes SEND Show in London. The week of activities culminated on October 13th with the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London, where six inspiring runners took on the challenge to raise essential funds for the charity.

By Marcy Rice|2024-12-09T16:16:02+00:00October 29th, 2024|Fundraising news|0 Comments

Exploring the Impact of Dyslexia on Sleep: UCL’s Groundbreaking Study and How You Can Help

University College London (UCL) is embarking on a crucial study to understand the impact of dyslexia on sleep. This follows a groundbreaking discovery in their recent research, which found that 66% of children with dyslexia experience clinical sleep issues. Given that sleep is essential for brain development, mental health, and overall well-being, UCL’s latest research aims to uncover how dyslexia might be affecting sleep across all age groups.

Why This Research Matters

Sleep plays a central role in cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health. For those with dyslexia, difficulties in learning and processing information are common, yet little is understood about the additional challenges they may face related to sleep. UCL’s recent findings have raised significant questions about how widespread these sleep issues are, and how they might influence cognitive performance, mental health, and day-to-day life.

In children with dyslexia, sleep disturbances can further complicate learning challenges, making academic and personal growth even more difficult. If similar sleep issues persist into adulthood, understanding and addressing these disruptions could be transformative for individuals with dyslexia at all stages of life.

How You Can Help

UCL is now seeking participants both with and without dyslexia to take part in a short online questionnaire about their sleep behaviours. The input from a wide range of participants will help researchers pinpoint patterns, enabling them to take a closer look at how dyslexia and sleep intersect.

By participating, you’ll be contributing to a vital research project that could lead to better support, improved sleep interventions, and a deeper understanding of dyslexia’s impact on mental and physical health.

Interested in helping out?
Follow this link to participate and be part of this meaningful study.

Thank you for your support in advancing our knowledge of the Impact of Dyslexia on Sleep!

By Marcy Rice|2024-12-09T16:17:46+00:00October 29th, 2024|Research news|0 Comments

Co-op Local Community Fund

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity is delighted to be part of the Co-op Local Community Fund initiative.

With the help of Co-op members, we’ll be able to offer free specialist dyslexia assessments, tuition and courses for disadvantaged children and young people to build skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Please choose us to help unlock their potential!

You can choose us as your charity no matter where you are in the UK

To find out more about our project and to choose us as your cause, click here: Local Community Fund

If you aren’t a Co-op member, you can find out about joining here:

Co-op Membership – Membership that makes a difference – Co-op

Thank you for your support and help.

By Helen Arkell|2024-10-29T10:17:45+00:00October 21st, 2024|Fundraising news|0 Comments

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 – What’s your Story?

Monday 7th October – Sunday 13th October 2024

We are counting down to Dyslexia Awareness Week in October. This is the week in the year where we go even further to help people understand what dyslexia is, that there is effective support available and to explain the up and down-sides of having dyslexia. If you can join us, we would love it!

The theme of this year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week is What’s Your Story?

Look out for posts on our social media pages and for ways you can get involved.

Could you help spread the word about dyslexia?

Dyslexia brings unique strengths. What’s your story of thriving with dyslexia? We would really love it if you wanted to share your own dyslexia story with us. How about sending a short video no longer than one minute. Look out for others’ films during the week on our social media channels.

You can use your mobile phone and let our community know what makes you a champion for dyslexia!

Share Your Dyslexia Story!

Show us how you have overcome your dyslexia or are working to succeed. Send a 1-minute video about your unique journey.

Email to: events@helenarkell.org.uk
Share on social media: #DAW24, #Dyslexia, #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek, #WhatsYourStory and tag us in!

Be Helen’s Hero!

Share your story or take on a challenge!

Could you fundraise during #DAW24 week and become one of Helen’s Heroes?

To launch the celebration of our heroes we are asking our supporters to tell us your story or do something challenging for dyslexia.

Have you done something amazing for dyslexia? Have you overcome a battle and feel like you have found strategies to cope with your dyslexia?

Some Fun Fundraising Ideas to get you started:

Sponsored run or walk
Board game marathon
Bake sale
Quiz night
Skydive or wing walk
Treasure Hunt
Silent auctions
School or office dress-up days!

Your fundraising will help even more people with dyslexia make sense of their life. All our heroes will receive a certificate and a place in our hall of fame on our website. Let’s help people with dyslexia know we are proud to share awareness.

Contact: fundraising@helenarkell.org.uk

Support our Royal Parks Half Marathon team

Our magnificent Royal Parks Half Marathon runners are taking part in this race on Sunday 13 October, which is also the last day of Dyslexia Awareness Week. A great final flourish to cap off a week of raising awareness and understanding for dyslexia!

Good luck to all who are taking part! Support them here: Royal Parks Half Marathon 2024 – JustGiving

If you have any questions, email the team on events@helenarkell.org.uk.

Thank you!

Watch this space for DAW 24 updates or sign up for our e-newsletter.

By Marcy Rice|2024-10-29T10:18:03+00:00October 9th, 2024|Fundraising news|0 Comments

Exploring Reading Experiences in Neurodivergent Adults

An Invitation to Participate in Research

The Neuroscience of Communication Development Lab (N-CoDe Lab) at Royal Holloway, University of London, is excited to announce a new research project focusing on the reading experiences of neurodivergent adults. This research focuses on understanding how the experience of reading grows and changes throughout life, particularly in individuals with a diagnosis of autism, Developmental Language Disorder, and/or dyslexia.

Who are they looking for?

Adults aged 21-30
With a formal diagnosis of autism, DLD, and/or dyslexia
A history of challenges with reading during childhood
Raised speaking English in the UK

Please note they are not including individuals without a diagnosis or reading difficulties.

This criteria has been carefully selected to ensure they can accurately explore the nuanced ways in which specific neurodivergent profiles impact the relationship with reading, motivation, and support systems over time.

What Should I Expect?

If you wish you participate, you will begin by completing a short questionnaire, which should take approximately 30 minutes. This can be done online, via email, or over the phone. Should you meet the eligibility criteria, you will then be invited to participate in a one-hour online interview. The interview will delve deeper into your reading experiences, focusing on your personal journey and any changes in motivation and support over the years.

How Can I Participate?

If you are interested you can access an information pack, which includes a video information sheet and an easy-to-read version, and complete the initial questionnaire by visiting this link. This is an opportunity to share your unique experiences and contribute to a better understanding of how neurodivergence influences reading and motivation.

For more information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Hannah Jones at hannah.jones.2020@rhul.ac.uk or the N-CoDe Lab at ncodelab@rhul.ac.uk.

By Marcy Rice|2024-10-29T10:18:26+00:00August 8th, 2024|Research news|0 Comments

Dyslexia Research Participants Needed!

If you are over 18 and have a Dyslexia diagnosis, you could help!

The University of Surrey has reached out to us with 2 exciting research opportunities that you may be able to participate in. If you are interested and wish to participate please get in touch with the research organisers using the contact details in the images below.

Thank you for your help!

By Marcy Rice|2024-10-29T10:18:34+00:00July 29th, 2024|Research news|0 Comments

Multisensory Teaching- SEN Magazine Article by Claire Harvey

Enhance Teaching with Multisensory Techniques!

Did you know that engaging all senses in learning can make education more effective and memorable? Claire Harvey, our Head of Education at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, shares insightful strategies on using multisensory teaching to cater to neurodiverse learners. This approach transforms learning into a whole-brain exercise, ensuring content sticks and knowledge transfers to long-term memory.

Discover the full potential of multisensory teaching in Claire’s article in Special Educational Needs Magazine, July/August 2024 edition.

Read it now: https://senmagazine.co.uk/sen-online/sen131_4y2g/#p=13

By Marcy Rice|2024-10-29T10:18:41+00:00July 25th, 2024|Research news|0 Comments

Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust Clay Shoot 2024

Fundraising Success at Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust Clay Shoot 2024

On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, our fundraising team had the pleasure of attending the Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust Clay Shoot 2024, a fantastic event dedicated to raising vital funds for several worthy causes, including Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, British Dyslexia Association, CoppaFeel!, and Starlight Children’s Foundation UK.

The event was a success, bringing together members of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group to support all 4 charities. The collective enthusiasm and generosity raised around £60,000! This amazing total will be shared between the charities, including Helen Arkell, helping us to continue our essential work in changing and improving the lives of people with dyslexia.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone at the Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust for their amazing support and dedication. It was such a memorable and impactful day.

By Marcy Rice|2024-10-29T10:18:48+00:00July 18th, 2024|Fundraising news|0 Comments

Monday 7th October – Sunday 13th October 2024

Could you help spread the word about dyslexia?

Share Your Dyslexia Story!

Be Helen’s Hero!

Some Fun Fundraising Ideas to get you started:

Support our Royal Parks Half Marathon team

Thank you!

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