How To Help A Dyspraxia Charity

With indications that it could run in families, and risk factors including things like premature birth and mothers drinking alcohol while pregnant, it's estimated that dyspraxia affects up to 10% of the UK population. A condition that raises problems with physical coordination, it can affect movements like running, jumping and balancing, as well as every day things like writing, driving and cooking. 

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH A DYSPRAXIA CHARITY?

Of the 10% of people who are affected by dyspraxia in the UK, around 2% are severely affected. That's approximately 1.3 million people, so this certainly isn't an uncommon issue across the country. Although it's incurable, there are therapies that can make the symptoms easier to deal with.  

As such, you can make a real difference to people's lives when you decide to volunteer with a dyspraxia foundation. Donating your time can be the perfect way to spend a free afternoon. You'll get the chance to meet new people, and potentially learn new skills you can use in the future too.  

HOW TO HELP WITH A DYSPRAXIA CHARITY

Volunteer With A Dyspraxia Foundation

Whether you're looking to build up your CV for your future career, or looking for a way to spend your time after retirement, there are lots of different ways you can volunteer with a dyspraxia charity. You could become a carer's advocate, or take care of phone calls, enquiries and administration tasks as a receptionist for an afternoon a week.  

Help With A Research Study

Some of the leading UK dyspraxia foundations often run or support studies of people with dyspraxia. Whether you or your child are in a position to help, just an hour or so of your time could help with continued understanding of the condition.  

Volunteer With A Local Support Group

Some dyspraxia charities run local support groups that are wonderful for providing practical support, advice, and a place where people with the condition can meet and share their thoughts and experiences. These groups rely on volunteers for things like organisation and coordinating fundraising efforts, which you could get involved with.  

Volunteer With A Reading Group 

Shared reading groups are used by charities such as The Reader to promote literacy skills and enjoyment of books, whether it's novels or poetry. Dyspraxia can overlap with other learning difficulties such as dyslexia, but the support of a shared reading group could help to build confidence with the written word.  

Dyspraxia that goes undiagnosed or untreated early on can lead to children leaving school without decent qualifications. Charities like Street League support unemployed people aged 16 to 24, using sports to engage and encourage development. Key skills are taught and learnt, while people with dyspraxia could gain confidence from trying sports they were potentially held back from before. Volunteering with a charity like this is a great way to help, keeping you active at the same time.  

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HELP

• Some volunteering roles require background checks on your suitability.  
• Even if you don't have a lot of time to spare, you'll still be able to find a volunteering opportunity to suit your circumstances.  

WHERE TO GET STARTED

If you're looking for a charity to get involved with, take a look at some of the organisations players of People's Postcode Lottery have funded, including:

• Street League 
• The Reader 

HELPING DESERVING CAUSES

If you'd like to know more about getting involved in volunteering in your community, take a look at our Local Causes page and find opportunities near you.