People chat to experts and get advice and support at drop in event held during Dyslexia Awareness Week

National Dyslexia Awareness Week, which runs from 2 - 8 October, aims to raise awareness of dyslexia and challenge common misconceptions.

The event was open to anyone interested in dyslexia and featured workshops for parents/carers and school staff. People who attended could chat to experts and listen to speakers on a range of topics on dyslexia.

Those attending or supporting the event included Wiltshire Council's Specialist SEN Service (SSENS), Wiltshire Dyslexia Association, Wiltshire Parent Carer Council and Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association.

At the event people could find out more about:

• Wiltshire dyslexia friendly schools
• Support and advice for families and where to go for help
• The work of Wiltshire Specialist Special Educational Needs Service (SSENS)
• Dyslexia books and resources available to borrow

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND said: This drop-in event was a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about dyslexia and the support available. Thank you to everyone for coming along and thank you to those who organised and supported the event and made it possible.

Events like these are an opportunity for people to find out more in a relaxed setting and for organisations to come together and provide holistic advice and support. There were lots of ways people could find out more including chatting with experts, talks on dyslexia topics, and stands from organisations.

We've made significant progress on supporting people with dyslexia in Wiltshire including our Dyslexia Friendly Schools project, however we are not complacent. In August we celebrated 12 Wiltshire schools successfully achieving the British Dyslexia Association's nationally recognised Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark. Following its success, we've now launched a second project which will train and support a further 15 schools.

The event aligned with the council business plan to ensure every child can achieve their optimal physical, emotional and mental health and for the people of Wiltshire to be empowered to live full, healthy and enriched lives.

In August, the council celebrated 12 Wiltshire schools successfully achieving the British Dyslexia Association's nationally recognised Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark. The schools were supported by the Wiltshire Specialist SEN Service (SSENS) on a two-year project to become accredited. Following the success of the project, the council has launched a second project which will train and support a further 15 schools to achieve the quality mark.

The theme for this year's national Dyslexia Awareness week (opens new window) is to celebrate individuals with dyslexia from all backgrounds and walks of life.

More information on the Dyslexia Friendly Schools project is available at: https://localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/7062/Dyslexia-Friendly-Schools.