Press Releases

January 16 2006

Dyslexia Association seeks volunteers

Manchester's only dyslexia association, based in East Manchester, which opened its doors in August, is looking for volunteers to help at the Clayton-based drop-in centre.

Helpers will be asked to volunteer for a minimum of three drop-in sessions a year and no previous experience or qualifications are needed. Sessions take place on the first Wednesday (6pm-8pm) and Saturday (10am-2pm) of each month.

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council and a dyslexic himself is the first to sign up as a volunteer. He said: "Volunteers can be dyslexic themselves or just people that want to help. All that is required is a friendly and approachable personality with an ability to listen. All training will be provided, and the skills learnt are transferable so it is well worth taking part. Not only will volunteers be giving something back to the community but they will find taking part a very rewarding experience that can enhance their own lives too."

Statistics show that as many as 1 in 10 people are affected by some form of dyslexia, and four percent of the population have severe dyslexia. This means that nearly 8,000 people are potential dyslexics in East Manchester alone. East Manchester's Dyslexia Association provides a network of support and advice to dyslexics of all ages as well as their families from all areas of Manchester.

Training will take place over six sessions and will provide volunteers with a deeper understanding of dyslexia as well as tuition on how to work with children and schools. Once trained the helpers will be able to correctly conduct and record advice interviews, as well as being able to offer advice to adults on dealing with dyslexia and employment.

The association is based at 1 Kinloch Street, Clayton, close to the Manchester Velodrome at Sportcity. For more information speak to Liz Jacobs on 0161 230 2100 or email l.Jacobs@manchester.gov.uk