Skill Swap

In this podcast episode, host Matthew Head chats with Neil Jones, a Mental Health and Fitness coach from Lincoln, UK. With a diverse career, including time spent living in Switzerland, Neil has honed his expertise in mental fitness—proactively maintaining mental health to prevent issues before they arise. Recently, Neil has been helping people undergo digital detoxes, breaking their dependency on smart devices. He also shares his experience with dyslexia, the bullying he endured, and how Judo and meditation became his coping mechanisms. Now, as a Psychologist and Chartered HR professional, Neil assists companies in improving their employees’ mental health and overall productivity. This episode is a must-listen for insights on mental fitness and digital detoxing.

In this podcast episode, Donna Stevenson, Head of Training and Assessment at Success With Dyslexia (SWD), reflects on the evolving perception of dyslexia over the past 30 years. Highlighting changes since the 1990s, when dyslexia was not well-understood, Donna discusses the current shift in how companies view neurodiversity. Contrasting the limited teacher training on specific learning difficulties in the past, Donna emphasizes the growing awareness and acceptance of dyslexia in education and workplaces. Drawing from her extensive experience at the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), she shares insights into supporting both children and adults with dyslexia. Donna underscores the importance of sharing lived experiences to enhance understanding and foster success with dyslexia. Join her in exploring the transformation of dyslexia perceptions and her mission at SWD to provide global support through training and assessment.

In this podcast episode, Kait Feriante debunks the misconception that people with dyslexia can’t learn to read or write. Kait, who grew up in Albania and traveled globally, discovered that diverse educational models highlight that learning methods should be tailored to individual needs, especially for neurodiverse students. She emphasizes the necessity for teachers to have a broad educational toolbox to address each student’s unique situation. Kait’s experiences as a teacher revealed the disparity in educational support due to socio-economic differences. To combat this, she co-founded Redwood Literacy, which offers evidence-based reading interventions. Their 50/50 model ensures that 50% of their services fund free education for 50% of their students. As of January 2021, Redwood serves 290 students, with 160 receiving free services. Key topics include learning with dyslexia, individualized education, and challenges in accessing quality support based on socio-economic status.