Worcester Events Archives - Hereford & Worcester Dyslexia Association

HWDA, CELEBRATING 50 YEARS: 1976 – 2026. WELCOME TO THE LATEST NEWSLETTER, MAY 2026

Eileen Boyd — Wed, 13 May 2026 21:51:23 +0000

Current Newsletter: May 2026

In 2026 we are delighted to be celebrating our 50th year of supporting students and their families. The founders of HWDA back in 1976 were instrumental in bringing about change to the education system and SEND provision. In this edition, Katrina Kear-Wood outlines the importance of study skills to prepare students for exams and HWDA’s role in supporting young learners:

At the time of exams many pupils experience heightened anxiety, for neurodivergent children and young people this can be intensified. Processing speed differences, time constraints, and reading/writing challenges, creating intense “fight-or-flight” stress. Dyslexic learners may experience severe panic, brain fog, and fatigue, as they often face pressure to perform quickly in a format that does not suit their cognitive style. Exam anxiety can feel overwhelming.Difficulties with working memory and slower processing speeds can prevent dyslexic students from fully demonstrating their understanding under these constraints.

Explicit, direct teaching of study skills and exam techniques are critical for dyslexics because they help bridge the gap between intelligence and performance, transforming time-consuming, traditional learning methods into accessible, efficient strategies.The key is preparation, HWDA embeds study skills in our workshops sessions, with a greater emphasis in Key Stage 4. Targeted Support focuses on strengthening weak areas, including organisation, time management and revision techniques, alongside literacy intervention. HWDA have recently updated their study skills policy.

Exam access arrangements allow dyslexics to demonstrate their true knowledge and skills by aiming to remove barriers caused by literacy challenges. These are primarily organised by a school or college’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), in collaboration with the Exams Officer. They gather evidence of a student’s “normal way of working” and apply for approval through the Joint Council for Qualifications ( JCQ) up to three months before exams. Reasonable adjustments for dyslexic students, such as extra time, readers, assisted technology or scribes are designed to remove barriers without providing an unfair advantage.

Alleviating anxiety through proper emotional support directly improves learning outcomes. Developing Self-Awareness by fostering an understanding of how dyslexia affects their emotions can help people develop resilience and build confidence. On our website, under the Parents’ Area there are lots of resources, including the presentation on The Emotional Impact of Dyslexia from the 2024 AGM. Signposting for emotional support can be found and promotion of wellbeing, including organisations and videos, which you might like to look at and share as appropriate with your children and young people.

The British Dyslexia Association offer a free study skills and revision skills webinar, training for professionals and advice sheets. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

While dyslexic individuals may have to work extra hard in exams, finding their passion, whilst utilising their learning preferences can offer the greatest rewards. Bill Gates (Microsoft Founder) acknowledged failing some subjects in exams while his friends passed, famously noting: “Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft”. Many other famous dyslexics including Richard Branson and Jamie Oliver cite early school struggles, but frequently turned dyslexia into a strength by embracing alternative learning styles, such as creativity, visualisation, and hands-on experience.

Despite attending 13 different schools and facing challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia, Dr. Aderin-Pocock remained motivated by her fascination with space. Although teachers often underestimated her due to her difficulties with reading and writing, she eventually excelled by linking her passion for science to her education. She found that her ability to understand complex 3D systems and physics was a significant strength. Today, she describes her dyslexia as a “superpower” that allows her to think outside the box. This perspective helped her earn a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London.

Famous dyslexic, Tom Cruise: “Being dyslexic, I had to train myself to focus my attention. I became very visual and learned how to create mental images in order to comprehend what I read.”

We wish all our pupils the very best during the exam season, remember when it comes to UK entrepreneurs around 20% are dyslexic, so you’re in good company!

We look forward to welcoming you at our upcoming AGM on 6 th June, where we are delighted to have guest speakers Alice Hubbard who will talk us through the history of HWDA and Bertie Ballinger who will share his experience of being dyslexic.

Previous Newsletters

Previous Newsletters:

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HWDA 2026 Annual General Meeting, Saturday 6th June 3:30pm – all welcome!

Eileen Boyd — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:59:43 +0000

This year’s AGM celebrates our 50th Golden Anniversary and we are delighted to welcome Alice Hubbard and Bertie Ballinger as our very special guest speakers.

Alice was one of the original founders of HWDA in the late 1970s and will give a talk on the origins and history of our association.

Bertie has raised money for our charity through sponsored cycle rides and he will share his family’s story on how dyslexia has impacted them.

All are welcome to come to the meeting which will be held at Worcester Workshop’s site in The Woodland Centre of Worcestershire Woods Country Park. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you would like any further information please contact: media@hwda.org.uk

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HWDA takes part in the Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church, Hereford from 30th November 2025

Eileen Boyd — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:56:23 +0000

Last year, HWDA took part in Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival. This year we are delighted to be taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church in Hereford. The church is situated in Hereford’s High Street and the HWDA tree will be set up on 28th November, ready for the festival which starts on Advent Sunday, 30th November. Those familiar with the city will know that All Saints is a popular meeting place with a lovely cafe. It regularly hosts craft fairs and exhibitions and is open every day. https://westherefordteam.org.uk/allsaints/

There will be a Golden theme for our tree this year which links to HWDA’s upcoming 50th Anniversary. If you would like to make or donate a decoration for the tree, please get it to Bev Drinkwater, Senior Tutor Hereford. For further information please contact her at: seniortutorhereford@hwda.org.uk

We hope you will enjoy visiting the festival to see the brilliant decorations made by our students.

Thea made these beautiful decorations at home. Her felt Christmas mice, Rosie and Daisy, each have the most exquisite detail!

The students have been busy crafting their baubles and decorations. The precision work provides a good opportunity to put into practice spatial and design skills as well as developing fine motor skills.

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Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum (WPCF) Brilliant Free Events Throughout November: Activities, Advice and Support

Eileen Boyd — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:09:00 +0000

Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum is a collective of parent carers of children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Their aim is to make sure that parents’ voices are heard when it comes to planning and decision making about services for SEND children and young people in Worcestershire. For more information about the services, help and advice WPCF offers check out the HWDA Parents’ Page or follow this link to their website: https://worcspcf.org/about-us/

There are lots of free events and activities throughout November at various schools and locations in Worcestershire so why not pop along and see what WPCF is all about! Below are details of what’s happening in November as set out on their Facebook Page, which you can follow here: (1) Facebook

This week marks the start of our SEND parent carers’ events, which WPCF are hosting in primary, first and middle schools across Worcestershire. In total 31 Worcestershire schools are involved in the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools programme. PINS aims to shape and improve whole school SEND provision, with a particular focus on neurodivergent pupils – diagnosed or otherwise. WPCF’s role is to amplify the voice of parent carers and support schools in developing their parental engagement. If you are a parent or carer to a pupil at a school involved in Worcestershire’s PINS, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to one of this week’s events. Join us at:

Whittington C of E Primary School Kid’s slime making 18/11/2025, 3.30pm

Leigh and Bransford Primary School Coffee, Cake & Conversation 19/11/2025,

Abbeywood First School A Guide to PINS 19/11/2025, 2pm

LEFS Bromsgrove Anxiety, Mental Health & SEND 19/11/2025, 8.45am

Nunnery Wood Primary School Coffee, Cake & Conversation 20/11/2025, 9am

Woodfield Academy Anxiety, Mental Health & SEND 20/11/2025, 9am

Beaconside Primary School Anxiety, Mental Health & SEND 21/11/2025, 1.30pm

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BDA Announce Assessment Bursaries Available for Young People: Applications Open Until 9th January 2026

Eileen Boyd — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:12:13 +0000

We are delighted to announce the launch of a third round of dyslexia assessment bursaries, made possible through our ongoing partnership with our Empowerment Patron, Theo Paphitis, and his fantastic team at Ryman.

This initiative aims to provide, remote dyslexia assessments for young people aged 12–21 from low-income families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, helping to ensure every young person has access to the support they need to reach their full potential. https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/news/new-dyslexia-assessment-bursaries-available-for-young-people

Applications are open until the 9 January 2026.
We will then contact applicants on a first-come, first-served basis to complete a booking pack. Eligibility will then be assessed once the pack has been received. Eligibility Criteria and Terms and Conditions apply: Find out more

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Bertie Completes His Cycle Challenge for HWDA.

Eileen Boyd — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:17:11 +0000

We are very grateful to Bertie Ballinger for doing a charity cycle ride to support HWDA.

On Sunday 28th September 2025, Bertie set off from Bromsgrove Leisure Centre to cycle to Hereford to raise funds for HWDA. Students, families, friends and HWDA staff were there to wave him off with flags designed and made by Bromsgrove Workshop students. Bertie thought they were brilliant and was really happy that so many people had made such an effort to get up early and cheer him on his way!

Bertie’s friend Ben joined him for part of the ride to keep him company and his friend Marcus and his dad Wayne cycled the whole 42.4 miles with him (at an impressive average speed of 12.7 mph). They arrived at Hereford Cathedral at 1 pm and were greeted by Hereford Workshop tutors and trustees.

Bertie told us:

We thoroughly enjoyed our cycle. We had a great send off in Bromsgrove – I’ve been fundraising for years and have never had a send off like it!

Thank you to all who have supported Bertie and made a donation. So far Bertie has raised over £400 for HWDA. If you would like to make a contribution his Just Giving Page is still active at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bertie-ballinger-4?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

I am raising funds in support of the Hereford and Worcester Dyslexia Association, a fantastic local charity dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia.

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of dyslexia, I find it quite fitting, and a bit ironic, that the word itself is so difficult to spell.

This cause is very close to my heart. By supporting this charity, we can help ensure that children growing up with dyslexia today receive the understanding, support, and resources that were often missing for many of us in the past.

Every contribution makes a real difference. Thank you for your support.
Bertie Ballinger

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Dyscalculia News: DysCalculator App – a calculator designed for people with dyscalculia & BDA Online Conference on Supporting Dyscalculia -25th Nov 1-5pm

Eileen Boyd — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:16:05 +0000

DysCalculator

A calculator designed for people with dyscalculia.

Dyscalculia is a neurodiverse learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand, remember, and manipulate numbers and mathematical concepts. It is often referred to as “maths dyslexia” and can manifest as difficulties with basic arithmetic, understanding time, using money, and comprehending mathematical concepts and formulas. This condition varies in severity and often requires tailored educational strategies and interventions to help individuals manage and overcome their challenges.

You can follow the link to download the App: https://www.dyscalculator.app

Drawn to Numbers: A British Dyslexia Association Online Conference for Supporting Dyscalculia

The upcoming virtual conference will focus on using visual materials in the classroom to support maths learning, with an emphasis on practical tools already available and encouraging children to create their own visuals and drawings to support their understanding. There is a charge for this conference which is primarily aimed at teachers but please follow the link to register your interest:

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/events/dyscalculia-conference-2025-drawn-to-numbers-empowering-children-to-understand-maths#:~:text=The%20upcoming%20virtual%20conference%20will,drawings%20to%20support%20their%20understanding.

Time

Tuesday 25th November 2025
1:00pm – 5:00pm

Location

Online
United Kingdom

This year’s Dyscalculia conference is designed to be an inspiring and effective event for all classroom based educators. The conference will explore how visuals and creative methods can support children to better understand numbers and overcome maths difficulties, including anxiety.

It aims to provide resources, practical strategies and approaches that will help educators feel more confident in empowering learners. The core topics explored will include, how to use imagery to show a better understanding of maths concepts, how creative maths teaching can support the development of maths, even in reluctant learners and how to foster a positive view of maths amongst individuals in a classroom setting.

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HWDA Hereford: Family Fun Day at Belmont Community Centre

Eileen Boyd — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:45:03 +0000

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Summer Fun Day last Saturday (14th June), whether you were on a stall, sent in donations or promoted the event. Including generous donations and money on the day, we have raised £425 which will be used for resources for the students.

Massive thanks also go to the Hereford Workshop’s Parent Reps Kelly and Claire who co-ordinated setting up and running the stalls. Another big thank you shout out goes to Gemma Power of Carpigiani who provided us with the ice-cream making machine again. It was as popular at this year’s Fun Day as it was at last year’s and we had perfect ice-cream weather too!

Well done to all who took part in the Genius Challenge competition – the winners received their awards at the following Saturday’s Workshop. We hope you enjoy this selection of pictures from the Fun Day.

Congratulations to Dan who was this year’s Star and Square Genius!

Mary was runner-up in both categories.

Finn is this year’s Bee Genius.

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HWDA AGM Saturday 14th June 2025

Eileen Boyd — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:39:32 +0000

Many thanks to all who joined us for the AGM which followed on from the Family Fun Day at Hereford’s Workshop site. We were delighted to welcome new HWDA Trustees Helena and Roz who both spoke about the areas of expertise which they bring to the Association. Helena gave an informative talk about educational transitions for SEND and Roz outlined her background as a former Head Teacher with a special interest in dyslexia.

HWDA Trustees: Katrina Kear-Wood, President; Nicola Nash, Treasurer; Roz Morton & Helena Darby

Special thanks go to Lucy Heard from Hereford Parent Carer Voice who explained what services and support their organisation offers: https://pcvh.co.uk/

More information about PCV is also on the Parents section of this website.

Reports on the Achievements and Performance of HWDA were given by Katrina and Nicola as well as a Financial Report. This can be read here:

HWDA Finance Report May 2025 Achievements and Performance Download

Full accounts will be available on Charity Commission website by the end of June.

We enjoyed watching slideshows of the events of the past academic year and of the My Story testimonials and experiences of past present students and their families. You can see these via the links below.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGpSmAVw5E/nP_srt-92wYA8dCSImvPHQ/edit?utm_content=DAGpSmAVw5E&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGqLHdA32E/o0A9M33aeRb3r9LXM5UMpg/edit?utm_content=DAGqLHdA32E&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

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HWDA Newsletter May 2025

Eileen Boyd — Tue, 20 May 2025 13:20:55 +0000

It has been another busy half-term, albeit a very short one! We are excited to be preparing for our Family Fun Day and AGM on Saturday 14th June and hope as many families and friends as possible can join us from across all the Workshop areas.

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