My Story
Back in 2009, after a wonderfully varied career - from shop floor and bar work to equestrian instructor, and eventually office manager for designer Emma Bridgewater - I became an apprenticeship assessor in Business Administration, ICT, and Customer Service.
It was here that I began working with adults of all ages, and where I uncovered a recurring theme: many apprentices had chosen this route believing it would be entirely practical. But when faced with academic requirements, they struggled - often due to undiagnosed dyslexia or other forms of neurodiversity.
Discovering The Barriers
These learners inspired me deeply. Despite being let down by the school system, they worked harder than anyone to succeed. I wanted to understand more about what they were experiencing and how I could support them better.
At the time, access to the college’s Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) team was limited and waiting lists stretched for months. So, I trained myself — learning teaching strategies and developing resources that could make a difference.
Over time, I was asked to provide one-to-one support to learners in other sectors, from business apprentices to plumbing students, helping them overcome challenges in maths and English. Along the way, I learned more about Visual Stress (Irlen® Syndrome) and how it often co-occurred with neurodiverse conditions.
A Turning Point
My career then shifted into Employment Support within the housing sector. I worked with adults looking for education, volunteering, and work opportunities - and once again, I saw the same struggles. Unrecognised/undiagnosed neurodiversity and visual stress were holding people back in life, not just in education.
Training with Irlen® East gave me a vital new perspective: I discovered how colour could immediately reduce symptoms and unlock potential. Thanks to the generosity of a housing association, I was able to provide Irlen screenings and free overlays, helping clients on their journeys.
This work continued at St. Giles Peer Hub Project, where I supported remarkable people determined to rebuild their lives. Helping them realise that not everyone found reading or form-filling so hard - and that there was something that could help - was incredibly rewarding.
Building My Own Service
When the St. Giles Peer Hub project ended in March 2025, I knew it was time to take the leap. I founded my own business to make visual stress screenings available to more people, offering practical, immediate solutions to challenges that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
What's next? My Big Hairy Audacious Goal is to secure funding so I can partner with charities and support organisations. This would allow me to offer screenings to those who need them most — people with huge potential who simply can’t afford private support.