Schools in the Axminster area have been given funding to support pupils with dyslexia, thanks to a bequest from the Douglas Hull Dyslexia Fund.

The money has been distributed by Axminster Care Service (ACS), which was chosen by the late Douglas Hull, the town’s former Mayor, to receive the bequest.

All schools within the catchment area of Axminster Medical Practice have received an initial £500 donation. Many have used this to buy specialist resources for dyslexic pupils such as spellcheckers and dictionaries.

ACS has also given out £8,113 for specialist software and licences, £15,860 for specialist training for teachers and support workers and £1,320 for dyslexia-friendly books.

A spokesperson for ACS said: “We look forward to funding further projects related to dyslexia in the area and would ask any schools that have not become involved yet to apply for funds if required.

“We would encourage our local schools to petition for funding on an annual basis, as it is important for the charity to be seen to be fair and spread the funding as equally as possible.”

The late Douglas Hull, who died in 2020, was dyslexic himself and had often talked about wanting to see more support in schools for children with dyslexia.

He was one of East Devon’s longest serving local councillors, having been a Liberal Democrat member of the district council for 36 years, and was a former vice chair of Devon County Council. He was made an Honorary Alderman of both authorities. He also served as Axminster Town Mayor for three terms of office. Douglas’s late wife Joy, a former headteacher at Lyme Regis Primary school, had also been an Axminster Town Councillor and became the town’s first Lady Mayor. 

Axminster Care Service is a charity that helps people registered with, or in the area of, Axminster Medical Practice. The Douglas Hull Dyslexia Fund is completely separate from the charity’s general funding to local schools and other organisations.

The charity is hoping for further donations to the Douglas Hull Fund to continue the momentum in supporting dyslexic children in local schools.

Anyone applying to ACS for financial support should make it clear whether they are applying for funding from its general fund or the Douglas Hull Dyslexia Fund. They should also clarify what other sources of funding they may have tried and, if appropriate, how many people the funding would benefit.

For further information on any of the funding available, or to request a funding request form, please contact the Secretary on 01297 35000 or email axminstercareservice@gmail.com