Indigo Dyslexia Services

OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 11TH JULY call into the Charing Cross Centre to ask your questions about dyslexia! Or try some software/gadgets which help overcome the difficulties a dyslexic may face. June 08

Indigo now have an Online Shop link, (tabs on the left). We have teamed up with The Dyslexia Shop to bring you a wide range of goods, examples of some of these resources are available to view/try at the centre. Just call in to have a look! June 08

We have a very good essay written by Karl Durrant: 'A Discussion on Specific Developmental Dyslexia and the Junior School Pupil:Is the Dore Approach (2006) the 'Miracle Cure' we have been waiting for?' It is really good, thorough and readable! We will add it to our Article Library on the site, but in the meantime you can of course call into the Centre and read it before making your mind up. April 08

Indigo have renewed their Matrix award! The assessor commented that a particular strength and area of good practice (reported from her client feedback) was the enthusiasm and service provided by Indigo. April 08

International Dyslexia Conference - Harrogate 2008. Jenny attended this 2 day conference kindly funded by Broadland Council. The conference was well attended with speakers from all over the world, which allowed for a good sharing of knowledge and a chance to see how theory could be put into best practice. There was also a good opportunity to view new assistive technology and meet the suppliers. This was an academic conference which was very positive, informative and well worth attending to gain insight into the latest dyslexia research. March 08

Martin will be on Future Radio talking about dyslexia on February 20th at 10 am. Future Radio is a part of The NR5 Project which is a community based project. NR5 Project provides school inclusion projects for young people aged 13 to 16 years, Princes Trust xl 2 year alternative curriculum programme, post 16 support, music, media and radio training, education films and DVD’s and much more. February 08

A huge thank you to the Geoffrey Watling Charity for their gift to INDIGO, it is very much appreciated! January 08

INDIGO have moved office! We are still at the Charing Cross Centre but are now much more accessible. We are on the ground floor, in the rooms on your right as you come into the centre. All our contact details remain the same. 21st December 07

ESF Tendering Deadline-NEET Prevention by Specialist Dyslexia supports. If you are a potential contractor organisation that wishes to include a voluntary sector partner in your bid on EE/Y/S01 NEET Prevention. INDIGO will be pleased to provide across the East of England for dyslexic young people who fit the definition in the tender. As a subcontractor See Page 4-5 and 7 of specification. Matrix and IIP accredited.
INDIGO has PQQ awarded. Make contact with Jenny Parsonage 0845 347 9322 or email asap. December 07

Green Light for Indigo! "Now we have a proper business framework in place, our plan for 2008 is to replicate our model of excellence and our strategic plan is towards business growth and development." Jenny Parsonage, Chair Indigo Dyslexia Centre. For the full news article see 'Network News' Issue 3 Autumn 2007. November 07

Martin talking about 'I never let dyslexia stop my success' A Norwich entrepreneur has spoken out about his battle with dyslexia and has urged others not to let the learning disability be a barrier to achieving success.Martin Parsonage, who has won a host of awards including East Anglian Volunteer of the Year in 2005 and is also a British Dyslexia Association Young Champion, said it was his dyslexia which actually helped him achieve success.The 27-year-old, who has a degree from the UEA in culture philosophy and politics, was diagnosed as severely dyslexic at the age of seven and still has a reading age of 12 and a spelling age of just seven.But he has gone on to set up Indigo Dyslexia Services, based in Norwich's Charing Cross Centre, offering testing, training and tuition for those with dyslexia.Mr Parsonage, speaking during Dyslexia Awareness Week, said: “In a way having dyslexia has actually helped me achieve success because I have had to find other ways of doing things, sometimes which have proved quicker and faster. “There is help and support out there, sometimes individuals do not know how to access it, but it is there. Evening News 8th November 07


Indigo are pleased to let everyone know that we can now arrange appointments in Norwich for an Educational Psychologist Assessment, for both children and adults. Welcome to Ben Horwood! October 07

Thursday 13th September- Special Needs Norfolk at the Sportspark in the UEA. The biggest special needs exhibition in east anglia and Indigo will be there on stand 111, please feel free to come and say 'hello!' (We like our coffee black..) Sept 07

This in the 'Evening News' - One in 10 of us struggle to read and write, but thanks to a centre in Norwich dyslexia sufferers in the city are enjoying more support than ever before. Set up just four years ago, the Indigo Dyslexia Centre has gone from strength to strength, with a team of 20 volunteers who help more than 400 people overcome the many problems they encounter. Now, the St John Maddermarket organisation has become one of the first of its kind to receive a national award for its work. Following a visit by assessors, the centre has become one of the first working in its chosen field to gain the Investors in People (IiP) recognition, which highlights good work towards improved learning. Martin Parsonage, managing director of the centre, said: “This shows that we are doing the best we can for our volunteers and it recognises what we do for our volunteers, which will help with attracting funding.” Around 90pc of the people at Indigo are volunteers and they offer at least a day of their time to the service. The centre is an independent, not-for-profit organisation designed to help people with dyslexia in any way possible. Assistance can include one-to-one tutoring, training, parental support and business advice and guidance. Karen Crawley, 45, of Attleborough, who has been volunteering at the centre for nearly four years, said: “All the volunteers at Indigo are made to feel like part of the team and working there is enjoyable. It's rewarding to be able to use our knowledge to help others, as dyslexia can be a very lonely place.” Elaine Johnson, managing director of Assessment Network, which evaluated the centre, said: “There is now a clear vision for providing a first-class service for people with dyslexia.“This is supported by fully trained volunteers who now feel empowered and are eager to propose or initiate new ideas to take the business forward.About 10pc of the population are affected by dyslexia to some degree. We will have a copy of the photograph of the lovely Martin and Peter that went with the article, so everyone will be able to see why it's so enjoyable working here... for all ages. 27th August 2007

Special Needs. Cash for vulnerable pupils goes to schools. Gradual revolution in funding has led to one-third fewer statements but it means teachers can intervene earlier to offer support By William Stewart. A SPECIAL educational needs revolution is shifting responsibility for England's most vulnerable pupils directly on to schools and dramatically cutting parents' chances of gaining a statement for their child. Councils have moved the money they held centrally to school budgets, leading to a 37 per cent drop in the numbers of new statements issued in the past decade.The shift is welcomed in principle by schools because it allows them to intervene at an earlier stage and it cuts down on bureaucracy. But it has been achieved piecemeal without legislation or national public consultation and debate. Times Educational Supplement. 3 August 2007

'Dyslexic Police Inspector wins ruling he is disabled' A Metropolitan Police Inspector has won a test legal victory, that Dyslexia is a disability in the eyes of the law. The Times 25th July 2007

Staff and volunteers at INDIGO are thrilled to let everyone know that Martin will be on his very best behaviour on the 17th July 2007 when he has been invited to attend the garden party in central London. Please all be sure to ask Martin how the event went (frequently and at every opportunity). Martin does so enjoy dressing in fine attire, and we will be making the most of this occassion to show him our utmost admiration for his new 'morning coat' look. Also if you do see Martin before the garden party please help him, he's having some trouble with his curtsey and practice makes perfect. Don't forget a photo Martin!

INDIGO were delighted to be presented with the Investors in People Award at a special presentation 8.6.07. We are one of only a few dyslexia groups in the country to receive this award which was presented by Elaine Johnson, guest speakers were: The Lord Mayor of Norwich - Roy Blower and Dr Ian Gibson MP. June 07

We are pleased to have been presented with an 'Acorn Grant Awards 2007' June 07

Indigo Dyslexia Centre are proud to announce they are partnered with the Northampton Assesment Centre, and we are now able to offer Assessments of Study Needs for Disabled students Allowance (DSA) for Higher Education Students with learning difficulties. June 07

Special Needs Norfolk 2007 - The largest special needs conference in East Anglia is to be held at the University of East Anglia Sportspark on Thursday 13th September.