dyslexia | Page 2 of 12

Support from Spinach!

We’re incredibly proud to be supported by Spinach! 💚

We are pleased to announce that Spinach, an independent family run small chain of restaurants and shops in East Dulwich and Crystal Palace, is now supporting Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity.

Spinach, whose founder Mel and several team members have dyslexia, have decided to help us following an assessment that one of their team had from Helen Arkell.

As they were only diagnosed as adults, they feel that they spent meant years of feeling “not good enough”… when all they needed was the right support.

Spinach are kindly supporting Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity via donations in their restaurant, helping children get the support they need early on.

If you are in the area, pop in, grab something delicious, and donate if you can. They also have a Just Giving page: Spinach London is fundraising for Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity

Thank you!

By Vicky Brighton|2025-10-21T16:56:39+01:00October 21st, 2025|Fundraising news, Latest news|Comments Off

Catch Up This Summer with Helen Arkell’s Spotlight Sessions

Summer is here and what better time to dive into the knowledge-packed Helen Arkell Spotlight Sessions you might have missed over the past year?

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or someone passionate about supporting individuals with dyslexia, these sessions offer on-demand access, accompanying handouts, and incredible value at just £10 each. Wherever you are, you can learn at your own pace, whenever it suits you.

Choose From These Insightful Topics:

📖 What Makes Reading Worth It? Reassessing Reading Motivation in the Context of Dyslexia. What makes someone want to keep reading a book? Are people with dyslexia less motivated to read? Find out more here. 📖

🧩 You Don’t Get an EHCP for Dyslexia: Demystifying the Issues Around EHCPs. Decode the complexities around Education, Health and Care Plans and what they mean for those with dyslexia. Book your place here. 🧩

➕ Top Tips for Supporting Numeracy. A practical, easy-to-apply guide to boosting numeracy skills in children who learn differently. Find out more here. ➕

🎓 How to Be a Dyslexic Grade-Riser – And Ace Your Exams. Discover empowering techniques that help dyslexic students rise through the grades with confidence. To book a place and learn more please click here. 🎓

📘 How to Use Toe-by-Toe for Optimum Results – And Improve Reading Accuracy. Make the most of the Toe-by-Toe approach with expert advice on improving reading accuracy. Learn more here. 📘

🔤Reading High Frequency Words – How to Improve Reading Accuracy and Fluency. Enhance fluency with tips and techniques for mastering high-frequency words. Find out more here.🔤

🧬 New Thinking About Dyslexia – The New Delphi Definition. Take a look at the latest research and thought-leadership redefining dyslexia today. Learn more here. 🧬

🗣️ Listening to Children with Dyslexia – Delivered by Margaret Rooke. Why being listened to is so important for children with dyslexia by renowned author Margaret Rooke. Find out about the spotlight here. 🗣️

Browse all available Spotlight Sessions on our courses page.

By Vicky Brighton|2025-09-08T15:47:41+01:00July 10th, 2025|Course news|Comments Off

Farnham Charity Bike Ride 2025

Take part in the 17^th Farnham Charity Bike Ride in aid of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity!

This exciting event is suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities! Explore stunning countryside, discover charming villages and challenge yourself as you help Helen Arkell raise vital awareness and funds to enable us to continue to support many more people through their journey with dyslexia.

This year’s event will take place on Sunday 21st September 2025, starting on Castle Street, Farnham.

Children aged under 16 go FREE when accompanied by a fee-paying adult
Free medal for all finishers
Four routes to choose from: 16 miles, 25 miles, 50 miles, and 75-miles!

For the full event details and to sign up please visit their website.

Contact the Helen Arkell fundraising team on 01252 792400 or fundraising@helenarkell.org.uk for fundraising support.

Please note this event is run and organised by The Hedgehogs and St. Andrews Infant School PTA.

By Nina Soane|2025-08-22T15:40:51+01:00July 7th, 2025|Fundraising news|Comments Off

Morph Mastery Course: Practical Tools for Supporting Dyslexic Learners

Join Louise Selby at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity on Monday 29th September for a Morph Mastery training course – a hands-on opportunity to explore effective ways of teaching spelling, reading and vocabulary through morphology.

Based on research, this course introduces ten adaptable strategies ideal for learners with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Designed for ages 9–13 (but easily extended to other age groups), the approach is structured, multi-sensory and flexible enough for classroom, group or one-to-one teaching.

Spaces are limited; book early to secure your place.

To book please visit Louise’s webpage here.

About this Course

Morph Mastery is both an intervention and a resource book offering practical ways to teach spelling, reading and vocabulary using morphology (the system of language based on prefixes, suffixes and roots). It is based on research into what works for learners with specific learning difficulties and dyslexia. It’s multi-sensory, structured and can be adapted and personalised. The intervention is aimed for ages 9 – 13 but the strategies can be used with a wider age range in groups and class.

This is a practical course in which you learn ten key strategies in Morph Mastery which you’ll be able to adapt to your setting, whether it is whole class teaching, group work, or 1:1.

Venue: Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, 24 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR

Date: Monday 29th Sept 9:30 – 3:30

Cost: £125 per person

Audience: This course is suitable for SENCOs, SEN teachers, English leads, teaching assistants, and tutors

By Vicky Brighton|2025-06-30T12:53:59+01:00June 30th, 2025|Course news|Comments Off

Fancy taking on one of the top marathons in 2026?

We are excited to invite you to take part in three fantastic events, helping to raise funds for Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity while enjoying the spectacular views these cities have to offer. Whether you want to take on the UK’s second largest marathon or explore a scenic city route abroad , the choice is yours!

Manchester Marathon

The adidas Manchester Marathon, is an iconic event drawing participants from all over the world to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester

When: 19th April 2026

Paris Marathon

Now one of the biggest marathons in the world, The Schnieder Electric Paris Marathon showcases some of the most beautiful landmarks of the city, passing Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.

When: 12th April 2026

Brighton Marathon

One of the UK’s favourite marathons through the vibrant streets of Brighton, finishing on the seafront. Brighton marathon weekend has a great atmosphere and includes an exhibition as well as other race distances over the weekend.

When: 12th April

Help make a difference to the lives of people with dyslexia and sign up today!

By Nina Soane|2025-07-10T16:25:44+01:00June 26th, 2025|Fundraising news, Homepage featured, Latest news|Comments Off

Seen the Unseen: Celebrating Dyslexia Through Ceramics

A powerful new ceramic installation celebrating the achievements and lived experiences of people with dyslexia is now on display at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity in Farnham. The artwork, titled Seen the Unseen, is the culmination of a collaborative October Half Term project led by UCA Surrey Galleries, in association with Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity and ceramic specialists 318 Ceramics.

Funded by Farnham Town Council’s holiday grants scheme, the project brought together local families, students, and friends for a week of creative workshops from 28 October to 1 November 2024. Over the course of five sessions held at UCA, Helen Arkell, and 318 Ceramics, participants crafted a series of colourful clay discs, each textured with personal marks and imprinted with the names and occupations of people with dyslexia. These people ranged from famous individuals to people who attended the workshop and even their friends and family.

Some discs were intentionally left blank, representing the many individuals whose dyslexia remains undiagnosed or hidden. The final wall-hung artwork is both vibrant and thought-provoking, sparking conversations about the visibility of invisible differences.

Hazel Radnor, Head of Fundraising at Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, said:
“This beautiful piece is not only a celebration of creativity but also a meaningful statement about recognition, inclusion, and pride in difference. We’re thrilled to host it and deeply grateful to our partners and the Farnham community.”

The installation was unveiled with a visit from the Mayor of Farnham, who joined representatives from UCA, 318 Ceramics, and the Helen Arkell team to mark the occasion.

Workshop facilitators Kathy Mason and Sian Van Driel from 318 Ceramics brought expert guidance and encouragement throughout the sessions, ensuring each piece was both meaningful and beautifully crafted.

By Helen Arkell|2025-09-08T15:54:45+01:00June 24th, 2025|Homepage featured|Comments Off

A Huge Thank You to Everyone Who Took Part in Our Big Walk for Dyslexia and Miles in May Challenge!

What an incredible few weeks it’s been! From the determined efforts of our Miles in May participants to the joyful, sun-filled steps of our Annual Big Walk for Dyslexia, your energy, commitment, and community spirit have truly inspired us.

Big Walk for Dyslexia

Over 5K walked in glorious sunshine, surrounded by an amazing community united in support of dyslexia awareness. From families to four-legged friends, everyone brought smiles, energy, and generosity, making it a day to remember.

A heartfelt thank you to every single person who joined us, whether you walked, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, or supported from afar. Your involvement means the world.

Miles in May Challenge

Throughout May, our incredible supporters walked, ran, and cycled distances of their choice in our virtual challenge, raising vital funds and awareness for dyslexia. Together, you covered over 285K!

Every mile mattered, and every mile made a difference.

The Impact

Thanks to your collective efforts, both events raised £1150 for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity, directly supporting individuals with dyslexia across the UK.

From all of us at Helen Arkell, thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s keep walking, keep talking, and keep making change, together.

Special shoutouts go to:

Howden Insurance – for not only sponsoring the event but for walking alongside us and showing such generous support.
Co-op – for donating delicious cakes that kept us fuelled and smiling.

By Helen Arkell|2025-09-08T15:55:16+01:00June 5th, 2025|Fundraising news|Comments Off

Get 50% Off Our HELP! Dyslexia Course for Parents This March!

Are you looking for practical ways to support your child with dyslexia? This March, we’re offering an exclusive 50% discount on our insightful, on-demand HELP! Dyslexia Course for Parents – a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and strategies at half the price!

What is the course about?

Hints, Encouragement, and Liaison for Parents (HELP!) is a unique dyslexia course designed specifically for parents of children with learning difficulties. Whether your child has recently received a dyslexia diagnosis or you simply want to better support them at home, this course provides the essential tools to help them learn to learn.

The course is completely online and available on demand, meaning you can watch and learn at your own pace, from the comfort of your home.

What will I learn?

Understanding how dyslexia impacts learning at school and at home is crucial in providing the right support. This course covers a broad range of topics, helping you develop a deeper understanding of dyslexia, its challenges, and how to turn them into strengths.

The course provides expert guidance on the following key areas:

Session 1: Introduction to Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs)
Session 2: Working Effectively with Your Child’s School, Talking to Your Child About Dyslexia & Building Self-Esteem
Session 3: Understanding How Your Child Learns Best, Study Skills & Homework Support
Session 4: Supporting Your Child’s Reading
Session 5: Supporting Your Child’s Spelling
Session 6: Supporting Your Child’s Writing
Session 7: Supporting Your Child’s Maths

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer. Sign up now and get 50% off our HELP! Dyslexia Course for Parents this March.

Let’s work together to empower children with dyslexia and help them reach their full potential!

By Helen Arkell|2025-05-01T09:56:58+01:00March 17th, 2025|Course news|Comments Off

Level 5 and Level 7 Diplomas in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/SpLDs and Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/SpLDS

Join our Level 5 and Level 7 courses!

At Helen Arkell we have been successfully delivering the Level 5 and Level 7 Diploma courses for many years. Our next courses begin September 2025 and are running from the Centre in Farnham.

These are a nationally recognised qualifications and we have consistently been recognised by CPD External Verifiers as being one of the ‘gold standard’ centres for delivering these qualifications.

Our Level 5 and Level 7 courses are accredited by the CPD Standards Office and our Level 5 course is approved by Patoss (Professional Association for Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

We are unique in providing a very high proportion of tutor-to-candidate contact time to ensure that each candidate achieves to the very maximum of their ability.

The tutor group system at Helen Arkell encourages candidates to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences during their weekly contact with each other.

Please note that you do not need a university degree or to be a qualified teacher to attend our Level 5 course. Those looking to do Level 7 need to hold a Level 5 qualification.

Find out more:

Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties – with teaching practice in KS2-KS1

Level 5 Diploma In Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties – with teaching practice in KS2-KS3

Level 7 Diploma in Teaching and Assessing Learners with Dyslexia/ Specific Learning Difficulties

By Helen Arkell|2025-03-17T11:48:58+00:00March 17th, 2025|Course news|Comments Off

Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary provides free training for schools

Thanks to the Theo Paphitis Dyslexia Bursary, launched in November 2023, an incredible 176 teachers and teaching assistants from UK state schools have already received free specialist training, enabling them to better support learners with dyslexia back in their classrooms.

The continuing generosity of Theo and Ryman Retail Limited means that we are able to offer even more teachers and teaching assistants from the state school sector free places on the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity’s six-week online Supporting Learners with Dyslexia course!

This practical course comprises six sessions on Fridays from 9.30 am, starting on 25 April 2025 and provides lots of useful, tried and tested strategies for supporting learners effectively. Recordings of each session are sent out after the live session for anyone who is unable to attend.

To apply for a bursary-funded place on this course, simply complete a short application form here.

Here’s what one of our past attendees had to say about the course:

‘I would like to say what an amazing course this has been!! I am a literacy practitioner at a secondary school, and the course was everything I was looking for and more! It has given me so much confidence delivering my literacy sessions, and I have gained so many tips and ideas. The presenters’ wealth of knowledge and information has been amazing, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every week.’

Please note, if you have already received a free place for this course, you will not be eligible for another free place. If your team found this course helpful you can book a paid-for place.

Helen Arkell’s aim is to remove barriers to learning, employment and life for more and more people with dyslexia, regardless of ability to pay, and we are indebted to Theo Paphitis and Ryman for helping us to achieve this.

By Helen Arkell|2025-03-25T13:48:58+00:00March 14th, 2025|Course news, Fundraising news|Comments Off

Choose From These Insightful Topics:

Browse all available Spotlight Sessions on our courses page.

Take part in the 17th Farnham Charity Bike Ride in aid of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity!

About this Course

Venue: Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, 24 West Street, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DR

Date: Monday 29th Sept 9:30 – 3:30

Cost: £125 per person

Audience: This course is suitable for SENCOs, SEN teachers, English leads, teaching assistants, and tutors

Paris Marathon

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Take part in the 17^th Farnham Charity Bike Ride in aid of Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity!