A Federation member with a passion for supporting officers living with dyslexia has told how her son being recently diagnosed with the condition drives her determination to help others.

Having volunteered with Hertfordshire’s Dyslexia Assessor Group for three years, Leanne Mitchell is now encouraging members to reach out if they feel they might be showing signs of dyslexia. 

Leanne has spoken out about dyslexia to help the Federation mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week which ended yesterday (19 March).

“Being diagnosed with dyslexia - especially for those who have struggled for years - can be life-changing,” said 42-year-old Leanne, whose husband Luke, chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation, has recently shared his experience of living with dyslexia.

“I can’t even begin to tell you all the positive stories that have come from people being finally diagnosed. I’ve seen officers crying because, after support has been put into place, it changes their life so much. It’s like some sort of reassurance or a way of giving them permission to be who they are.

 “My sister has dyslexia, so I knew about the condition before I met Luke - but he highlighted the struggles people living with the condition experience. He was able to mask having dyslexia by using his own coping strategies. He also had a lot of fantastic support from his colleagues.”

 Leanne explained that every new recruit who now joins Hertfordshire Police is entitled to a dyslexia screening. 

She continued: “Everyone is offered an assessment and if that assessment indicates any sign of dyslexia, then we meet with them individually and discuss the adjustments that we can put in place.

“And some of those adjustments are as simple as somebody using a colour overlay on their computer screen or creating regular reminders for tasks or appointments - because sometimes dyslexia can impact a person’s organisational skills.

“I like to point out a person’s strengths too. You see, people living with dyslexia are often problem-solvers, have great communication skills or are more practical officers - in fact, some of the best cops out there have dyslexia.

“I want people to know dyslexia should not be a hindrance.”

Leanne explained how her drive to continue raising awareness of dyslexia, while supporting those living with the condition, is inspired by her 10-year-old son, Euan.

“Our son was diagnosed, and seeing how frustrating it can be to get the right support in place, that’s why I’m so passionate about making a change within the Force. It really doesn’t be that hard to make such small changes,” the mother-of-two added.

“We’ve come a long way but we still have so far to go. Nowadays, it’s more about breaking down those barriers, removing the stigma and educating the Force.

“After a person is diagnosed, we then hold one-to-one meetings with their line managers to help educate them. I want people to know they are not alone and we will support them as much as they want us to be.”

Leanne is urging members to get in touch with the Dyslexia Assessor Group if they would like further support, advice or information on the condition.

“Being a police officer is hard enough, I can’t imagine it being made any harder by having dyslexia or any other neurodiverse condition,” she said.

“The assessment is a really straightforward process and open to all. Of course, while we do promote talking about dyslexia openly, I want to reassure all members that we will treat each conversation confidentially.”