A CHARITY offering 'life-changing' support for people with dyslexia has expanded its operation to Oxford.

Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity has opened a new hub in Summertown, which will help dyslexic children and adults in the city to access expert support.

Renowned dyslexia campaigner Helen Arkell founded the charity in 1971, to remove barriers for life and learning.

It is based on the outskirts of Farnham, in Surrey, but hopes to reach more people by branching out to other areas.

Andy Cook, chief executive of the charity, said: "We are delighted to be offering help and guidance to even more people through the development of our new Oxford hub in Summertown, continuing the great work of our inspirational founder.

"From now on, people with dyslexia in Oxford will be able to receive consultations, assessments and courses from the charity’s experienced team."

The charity works to support children, adults, parents, carers, educators and employers, continuing the legacy left behind by Helen Arkell.

The campaigner, who was dyslexic, died last year aged 99.

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She was made an MBE in 1999 for her work and in 2003 she was named a 'pioneer to the life of the nation' at a Buckingham Palace reception.

Speaking in an interview on the charity's website, she said: "When you think you’re stupid it not only affects your school life, your confidence gets a big knock.

"Since I’ve come to understand dyslexia I’ve felt much the most important thing is not the reading or spelling but the knock to the confidence."

Oxford is one of three hubs now run by the charity, alongside one in London and another in Salisbury.

A spokesperson for the organisation added: "The charity’s mission is to remove barriers to learning and life for people with dyslexia by providing expert, personal and life-changing support."

Its Oxford base is at Prama House in Banbury Road and will be led by hub coordinator Rachael McMullen, a teacher and special educational needs coordinator of 10 years.

She said: "I feel honoured and excited to be given the chance to provide support, guidance and empowerment by leading the Oxford hub."

Among the services offered by the charity are dyslexia assessments, specialist tuition, dyslexia training for teachers and a range of specialist support.

Specialist assessors at the charity are professionally qualified to assess, report, and diagnose dyslexia.

The condition is a a learning difficulty that often affects reading and literacy skills.

It affects people differently but can lead to difficulties with language, motor coordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation.

To find out more about the Oxford services, email enquiries@helenarkell.org.uk or call the charity on 01252 792400.