Would you like a local handwriting interest group?
After witnessing the power of local action to transform a region at Members Day, we are more enthused than ever about supporting members to set up local groups. These will vary from region to region, but usually consist of about three meetings a year of local professionals (OTs, Physios, Eps, Teachers, TAs, SENCOs etc.) sharing ideas, talks, Q and A sessions and discussions about inspiring local change. The NHA has a small pot of money allocated to helping with set-up costs.
Current Local Interest Groups
West of London Handwriting Interest Group
This group was launched in November 2015 by a group of local professionals in West London including Dr Mellissa Prunty (Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Brunel University London), Caroline McHugh, Nidhi Kharbanda & Ying Herng Heng (Local Occupational Therapists) and Dr. Geeta Ludhra (Lecturer in Education at Brunel University London). The group was created in order to bring together local teachers, therapists, psychologists, students & parents to discuss all things handwriting. The group had its launch event in November which was attended by 110 people from all across London. The event saw three very interesting presentations from Dr. Angela Webb, Prof. Anna Barnett and Dr. Emma Sumner on the topics of handwriting assessment and dyslexia. Feedback was gathered during the event to ascertain what the attendees wished to gain from the group. The feedback was used to plan a second event in April 2016 which saw an interesting evening on the topic of continuous cursive writing. The main aims of the group are to share knowledge surrounding best practice in the teaching and learning of handwriting and serve as a forum for discussion. They run 2-3 events a year. For more information, please email Mellissa Prunty, westoflondonhig@gmail.com
Brighton and Hove Handwriting Interest Group
The Brighton and Hove Handwriting Interest Group was created in 2015 in order to bring together local teachers, therapists and psychologists to share knowledge, experience and a passion for handwriting. The group meets twice a year and is facilitated by Lesley Harding, Senior Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist. Our most recent sessions have focused on motivating the reluctant writer and implementing OT Busy Hands within the classroom to support hand readiness for writing. The next session is planned for Autumn 2019. For more information, please contact handwritingtutorsussex@gmail.com
What if I live somewhere else?
We would like to have local groups all over the country. If you are interested in setting one up, please email enquiries@nha-handwriting.org.uk and we will let you know if anyone else nearby may be willing to help.
