Dealing with Dyslexia

The Revd Steve Sutton is a minister in Clacton within the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District. He is used to finding ways of getting around his dyslexia to ensure that he can provide the best support for his churches and their members but, when it came to applying for grants, he needed some extra help. The district responded with a specially produced video.

“I knew I was dyslexic when I was at school back in the 80s, it wasn't really a thing back then, so I could never get my GCSE in English but my other results got me an apprenticeship with the General Electric Company. They paid for me to do a City and Guilds in English before my first degree with the Open University (OU). The OU arranged a proper dyslexic assessment. It was absolutely fantastic to finally have it recognised in a proper way with a formal document!

“I've always had coping mechanisms as I think a lot of dyslexics do. I've always been open and honest about my dyslexia. I've never told anybody that I'm not.”

Steve inherited five churches in his circuit, all intended for missional work, but all needed updating and new kitchens installed so the churches could play a bigger part in their communities.

“Searching for funds and writing proposals is a challenge for anyone, more so someone with dyslexia. They are part of the job but I struggle to cope with forms. I was chatting with our District Grants Secretary, Tony Trevers, about how daunting the applications can be, especially for someone living with dyslexia. I suggested it would be great if we could have some guidance, but not something written, as people with dyslexia can find such things difficult.”

Grants Secretary, Tony, spoke to Stuart Watkin from the Connexional Learning and Development Team about the production of a video and, with no sense of irony, a District Grant Application was submitted to fund its production.

The video was scripted so that the guidance would be applicable to both Methodist Church and other grant-making organisations.

The Revd Dr David Chapman, District Chair of Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, commented, "The District Synod is committed to supporting ministers and lay people in their work for the Church. The grants committee was delighted to provide funding for this imaginative project. I hope many people will benefit from this training resource."

“It was really good because this district listens,” says Steve. “They don't teach you managing building projects at theological college, they don’t teach you how to chase funding, they're teaching you pastoral care and that's where it should be.”

“I am proud of the district for doing what they're doing and I hope it helps other people. It certainly helped me.”

Linda Robotham, Manager of the Well-being Team, commented, "For those who are neurodivergent, or think they may be, we have access to advice and recommendations to aid flourishing in the work environment. A Workplace Needs Assessment offers a way to better understand what an individual may need and what we as an organisation can do to support them. Recommendations could include equipment, software or strategy coaching."

For further information and a discussion please contact the Wellbeing Team: wellbeing@methodistchurch.org.uk