Registered Charity · Since 1981
Dyslexia support for children and adults in Croydon
Free helpline, affordable screening, Saturday workshops and open meetings — run by trained volunteers for over 40 years.
Part of the British Dyslexia Association Dyslexia Network
How can we help you?
Whether you are a parent, an adult who thinks they might be dyslexic, or someone who wants to help — there is a place to start.
Worried about your child?
Spot the signs of dyslexia, get an affordable screening, or join our Saturday workshops to build reading confidence.
Think you might be dyslexic?
It is never too late to find out. Dyslexia assessments, workplace support, and a helpline that understands.
Want to support dyslexic people?
Join CDA, attend our free open meetings, or simply spread the word. Every member helps us keep going.
Practical support, run by volunteers
Three core services for dyslexic people and their families in the Croydon area.
Local Helpline
Free, confidential advice
Evenings and weekends until 9pm · run by trained volunteers
Screening
Dyslexia & dyscalculia, by appointment
- Dyslexia: ages 6–16 (£100)
- Dyscalculia: ages 6–14 (£60)
Children Will Shine
Saturday literacy workshops
- Saturday mornings in term time
- £25 a session (first one free)
Led by qualified Specialist Teachers
Free expert talks, open to everyone
Guest speakers on dyslexia and related topics — attend in person or watch the recordings.
Thursday 16 July at 8pm on Zoom
Moving Up and Moving On
Jo Rees
Dyslexic and how to cope with transitions — A talk by Jo Rees
Saturday 14 March - 12 noon-12.45 pm - in person meeting
Life After School
Margaret Rooke
Dyslexic and Taking on the World - A talk by Margaret Rooke
Tuesday 11 November at 8pm on Zoom
How to Adapt and Thrive as an Adult with Dyslexia
Donna Stevenson & Sue Flohr
A talk on Zoom with Donna Stevenson and Sue Flohr
Three ways to make a difference
"The best way to find out what CDA offers is to get in touch."
Call the helpline
Speak to someone who understands. Free, confidential advice and signposting.
0333 111 00 66Attend an open meeting
Free talks by guest speakers on dyslexia-related topics. Open to everyone.
View meetingsBecome a member
Support CDA's work and receive newsletters, magazines, and free meeting entry.
Join CDA1981
Established in Croydon
40+
Years of volunteer support
3–4
Open meetings a year
Free
Helpline & first workshop
Become a member
Membership keeps our helpline, workshops and meetings running — and connects you with people who understand dyslexia.
- A supportive community of families and individuals affected by dyslexia
- Three CDA newsletters and three digital BDA Contact magazines a year
- Free entry to open meetings featuring expert speakers
- Resources, advice and guidance on dyslexia-related topics
Individual membership
£15 / year
Family and concessionary rates available
Join CDA Membership detailsA local charity with four decades of experience
Croydon Dyslexia Association is a registered charity (No. 1125334) providing information and support to dyslexic people, their families, and professionals in the Croydon area.
Founded in 1981, CDA is part of the British Dyslexia Association's Dyslexia Network. As well as providing information via this website, we host 3–4 themed open meetings a year in Purley — open to members and non-members — held mostly on Zoom since the pandemic, with occasional in-person meetings. We run a local helpline, weekly Children Will Shine literacy workshops for children in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4 during term time, dyslexia and dyscalculia screening, and publish three newsletters a year (January, April and September).
Our aims
- Provide support and information to children and adults who are either directly affected by dyslexia or are close to someone who is.
- Raise public and professional awareness of dyslexia/SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties).
What we provide
How the support system works
Information about statutory support for children with dyslexia and SEND in Croydon.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dyslexia is recognised as a disability that gives rise to Special Educational Needs (SEN). Children with dyslexia are entitled to support through their school's SEN provision.
See indicators of dyslexiaSEND System & EHCPs
Since 2014, the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) system has replaced the old Statement system. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) provide statutory support for children with the most complex needs.
Contact our helpline for adviceCroydon Local Offer
Croydon's Local Offer brings together information about services, support, and activities available to children and young people with SEND and their families.
Visit Croydon Local Offer