Reading help for dyslexic youngsters in Cumbria

Dyslexic youngsters in Cumbria are being given some hi-tech help with their reading skills, thanks to a grant from the Fibrus Community Fund.  

At the Saturday Hub, run by the West Cumbria Dyslexia Association (WCDA), there was much excitement at the arrival of a batch of specialist reading pens that scan text before reading it back aloud. 

First to try out the C-Pens, which have been paid for with the £2,000 grant from Fibrus, were Finn and Freddie, both aged 10. 

“They look like something from Star Wars,” joked Finn, adding: “I think they’ll be useful at our club. We have fun here and I’ve made new friends too.” 

The WCDA has also bought laptops and educational software with its grant. Chairwoman Vivienne Tregidga said: “To the dyslexic child, reading is not a pleasure, it’s a difficult chore that causes them stress and anxiety. This is why we set up our Saturday Hubs to help these children from an early age. We make learning to read fun and give them the strategies to help them deal with their dyslexia.” 

“The C-Pens are a pen-like device that when drawn across text reads it out to the user. It can also spell out the word for easier understanding. These pens help us teach children who have come to us a bit later and are already word blind”  

The WCDA runs popular Saturday Hubs in Seascale, Maryport and Carlisle. It also offers advice and support for parents and teachers.  

Finn’s dad, Norman Black, said his son had ‘come on leaps and bounds’ at the club. “Finn’s really enjoyed it and it has helped us see what extra support is available.” 

Mum Samantha Cook, whose daughter Robyn has recently started attending the Saturday morning sessions, described them as a ‘God send’. “It has shown us that there are resources that can help children like Robyn, and it is good to meet the other parents to support each other,” she said. 

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “Bringing people together both digitally, and via community connections, is at the heart of what we do.” 

“We are delighted to be able to support organisations like WCDA across the county through our Community Fund. The WCDA volunteers have so much experience and knowledge, and their work makes such a difference to children affected by dyslexia. It’s rewarding to know that our fund has enabled children in Cumbria to receive additional support with reading.” 

Fibrus, in partnership with Cumbria Foundation, set up the Community Fund Cumbria in April 2023 to help address digital poverty with a particular focus on older and younger people. 

Affiliated to the British Dyslexia Association, WCDA has been running for more than 30 years and, as well as Saturday Hubs, offers a helpline, a befriending service and regular events for parents and teachers. 

The Saturday Hubs, which are regularly oversubscribed, offer each participating child an individual programme according to their needs. Activities include reading, phonics and spelling games, individualised computer programs, and other educational games.