Frequently asked questions

At the heart of dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, bedwetting, health and diet anomalies lies the ability to think predominantly in pictures. The symptoms are the result of stress and confusion.

A Dyslexia Wales and West course helps you to identify your innate abilities and shows you how to nurture them to relieve stress and achieve your aspirations. With results lasting over a lifetime it is the best investment you could ever make.

Dyslexia Wales and West is for all those people who have not reached their true potential within the education system.

What is different about Dyslexia Wales and West?

Dyslexia Wales and West is run by a person with dyslexia for people with dyslexia and associated conditions. The courses are designed around you, the individual. Your learning strengths are identified and employed to help you explore your potential and resolve anomalies at all levels of competence. You will be treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

The Dyslexia Wales and West workshops are an interactive, hands on, fun, creative process which rely on the commitment and participation of both parties to develop a successful working partnership.

How much does it cost?

Assessment with verbal report	Free
Written report	£150.00
Assessment cancellation fee	£50.00
Dyslexia Wales and West course of workshops Fee covers: 5 day course of workshops Training for a helper 1 development day Tool kit The Way Forward home programme with telephone consultation when required Information and training for the parents/helper	£2,050.00
Dyslexia Wales and West Advanced course of workshops	£2,050.00
Dyslexia Wales and West Preventative Measures for young children	£40.00/hr
Dyslexia Wales and West Supporter Workshops	£350.00/day
Consultation	£175.00/hr
Homework Sessions	£50.00/hr
Dyslexia Wales and West Presentation	Free

Some Dyslexia Wales and West courses have been funded or co-funded by relations, church funds, philanthropic societies (e.g. The Round Table, The Lions etc), European Social Fund schemes (e.g. Genesis), educational psychologists, Access to Work, Careers Wales and their employers (often those who have an 'Investors in People' award). Some people have received a career development loan from the bank.

Will the Dyslexia Wales and West method work for me?

The free initial assessment is designed to help you decide if our method will work for you. During the assessment you will have the opportunity to talk through what you want from the course. I will be completely honest with you regarding what you can hope to achieve. This is backed up with our money back guarantee if you find you do not benefit from the course designed for you.

There is no obligation to take things further if you decide the course will not suit you at the moment.

I'm managing ok, so what is the point of doing a Dyslexia Wales and West course?

Dyslexia Wales and West is for those people who feel they have not reached their full potential. A Dyslexia Wales and West course will only help someone if they are truly motivated to enhance skills and resolve any difficulties they are experiencing .

There are things about having dyslexia that I enjoy. Will the course change these?

The course of workshops is tailored to suit the requirements of each person. They are usually great fun, often profoundly illuminating and always conducted with the greatest respect to the individuality of each person.

I know from personal experience that there is much to enjoy and celebrate about being a visual thinker. The reason why Dyslexia Wales and West was founded was because I could not tolerate the stress my children suffered while being crushed by a system that did not respect or enhance their thinking style.

What happens at the assessment?

You will be guided through a process to identify your aspirations, strengths, weaknesses and learning style. There will be time to ask questions and talk about wants and needs. Parents and helpers will also be encouraged to ask about the content of the workshops for their child.

When trying to find help for my own children I was very alarmed by the amount of time and money I had to spend trying to find the appropriate help for them. I hope this web site provides enough information to give you a picture of the ethos of Dyslexia Wales and West. The assessment is free of charge to enable you to make an informed decision as to whether the proposed course is appropriate for you. Written report cost: £150.

How long does a course of workshops take?

The assessment usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours depending on how many questions you have. The basic course of workshops lasts for 36 hours over 6 days. This consists of 30 hours working one-to-one with Caroline Keen. A further 6 hours are reserved for a development day, some weeks later, which reviews and supports your progress. The course usually takes place from Monday to Friday, from 9.30 to 4.30, with breaks according to your needs, at appropriate intervals.

An advanced course of workshops is available to resolve difficulties such as maths and handwriting.

A home programme, The Way Forward, is designed to resolve outstanding difficulties and can be completed in a matter of months. This requires the support of a designated helper. The helper will receive training on the last afternoon of the course of workshops.

Advisory telephone calls are available to you for a year after the Dyslexia Wales and West course. You will find progress very rapid when you start to employ study methods which capitalise on your talents.

What happens during a course?

Each course of workshops is tailored for you, the individual, your wants, needs, strengths, weaknesses, stage of life and ambitions. Therefore, each course is unique. Generally, the beginning of the week is taken up learning how you naturally acquire information and removing any blocks to successful learning. With that understanding we address your particular wishes, interests and challenges using oil bound clay. A home assignment hones the skills you acquired during the 5 day course. A 6th day of one-to-one tuition is set aside to ensure your continuing progress.

Can I talk to someone who has experience of the courses?

Yes. Please contact us for details of people who have successfully completed the workshops.

What happens if I don't benefit from the courses?

For your complete peace of mind Dyslexia Wales and West offers a money back guarantee in the unlikely event that you feel that you have not benefited from the course. The initial assessment is designed to make quite sure that the client can benefit from the Dyslexia Wales and West methods.

Is there an age limit?

The workshops can benefit adults and children above nine years of age, provided that they are motivated to make a change. Children below this age can benefit from short sessions of preventative activities available at Dyslexia Wales and West.

Where do the workshops take place?

The workshops take place in complete privacy, at Ysgubor Fawr. It is important to undertake the workshops in a setting unconnected with the problems a person has been experiencing. Dyslexia Wales and West is located in the delightfully tranquil village of Talley near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

The workshops usually take place in a converted barn, in beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside on the site of the cloisters of Talley Abbey, close to the Talley Lakes SSSI.

Courses are available near Hereford and Redruth, Cornwall

What do I do at break times?

You are asked to make your own arrangements for a meal or snack at lunch time. There is an AGA for heating food and hot drinks. Water, tea, coffee, some herb teas, milk and sugar are provided.

What do I wear?

During the week we will be working with oil bound clay. It is not as messy as water bound clay so does not warrant an overall but don't come in your best clothes!

What happens after the workshops have finished?

You will need the support and understanding of an empathic parent, partner or helper, familiarised during your course with the techniques you have been learning, to support you in your continuing development. I will be available for telephone consultation.

What does my parent, partner or helper do during the workshops?

Your experience at Dyslexia Wales and West will be different from learning in an educational establishment. I aim to make it as enjoyable as possible but at the same time you may be addressing long standing difficulties. This is very tiring. You will need the support and understanding of an empathic parent, partner or helper. I therefore ask that the helper of young people, under the age of 18, be present at Dyslexia Wales and West during the course of workshops.

I found that, as a parent, I was so exhausted trying to field the difficulties and find the appropriate help for both my children that treating the week as a holiday for me was extremely therapeutic. Sadly, this is not feasible for all. There is a large quiet room, with light, warmth, power points and a large table for those who wish to work.

There is a wealth of resources at Dyslexia Wales and West for those who wish to research the visual thinking style and dietary requirements. For other members of the family who may be holidaying nearby, there are many places of interest round and about Talley.

How will my helper know how to help me after the workshops?

It is important that your helper remains just that - your helper. It will be your responsibility to request help and clarification when you need it. However it is vital that the help you are given is well informed. During the week, with your permission, your helper can be an observer in some of your workshops. On the last day of the 5 days of workshops, you will guide your helper through a session so they can experience first hand how to support you.

Where do we stay?

Immediately next door to Ysgubor Fawr are 4 self -catering Abbey Cottages. These provide year round holiday accommodation. For more information please contact:

Gill Marsden
Y Plas, Talley, Llandeilo, SA19 7YY
Telephone: 01558 685 674
Email: gmmarsden@googlemail.com

Alternatively please contact www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk

Why not make a family holiday?

Dyslexia Wales and West is located in the most beautiful of counties. The climate is mild and the scenery varied an

d unspoilt. Carmarthenshire is just beginning to be 'found' as a tourist location consequently it is peaceful and uncrowded yet with a wealth of things to do and see.

The attractive local town of Llandeilo is just 15 minutes away and has a fascinating and rich history, large park, country house and castle as well as interesting shops and places to eat and drink.

Next steps

Please contact Caroline Keen to book a free assessment