About - Help With Handwriting

Know a messy writer?

Welcome — I’m Sheilagh, and I help children rediscover confidence and pride in their handwriting.

If you’re here, you’ve probably already tried a few things — maybe extra handwriting practice, pencil grips, specialist pens, or even tutors — and you’re wondering why nothing has quite worked.

That’s exactly why I started Help with Handwriting.

My Story

I’ve been an Occupational Therapist for over 25 years, helping children develop the skills they need to thrive at school and in life. I’m one of only a handful of OT’s in the UK who specialise in handwriting.

Before that, I worked as a graphic designer, and I’ve always been fascinated by fonts, letterforms, and how we things look on a page.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that I ended up specialising in handwriting — a beautiful blend of creativity, function, and problem-solving.

In 2016, I founded Help with Handwriting because I was frustrated that children weren’t getting the support they truly needed.

Many were bright and capable, struggling to get their thoughts onto paper. Or being told they must make their writing neater but did not know how to do this.

Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of children around the world, through one-to-one sessions and my Handwriting Club.

Why choose an Occupational Therapist?

You might be wondering how an OT’s approach to handwriting is different from that of a teacher or tutor.

Here’s how I like to explain it:

Teachers focus on the writing — helping children form letters so they look right on the page. Often teaching it in one particular way.

As an Occupational Therapist, I FOCUS ON THE CHILD — their coordination, fine motor skills, pen grip, posture, confidence, and comfort. I teach it in a way that works for them.

Teachers care about what ends up on the paper. They are checking the content.

I care about HOW IT IS WRITTEN. It’s not about doing endless worksheets that are baby'ish. It’s about helping a child discover the skills that makes writing easy.

The 6 Types of Writers (and who I can help)

I can help the first five. The not-bothered writer will prefer to type, seeing no reason to improve their writing.

A little about me

I’m an OT, an author of several books on handwriting and child development, and a lifelong believer that small changes can create big breakthroughs.

When I’m not helping children find their inner confidence to write, you’ll usually find me with my head inside an interior design magazine, doing something crafty or trying new food recipes.

I don't do this alone...meet Laura

Behind the scenes, I’m supported by Laura, who helps me keep everything running smoothly — from booking sessions to making sure parents get the right info when they need it. When you get in touch, there’s a good chance it’ll be her who will reply first.

At Help with Handwriting

children helped

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lessons given

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trees planted

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boxes posted

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With every new student, we plant a tree — a small way to give back for any extra paper we use while practising handwriting.

It also gives me the perfect reply when children tell me they’re “saving the planet” by writing less!

Ready to take the next step?

If your child is ready to make changes to their handwriting — I’d love to help.

Or simply get in touch by booking a discovery call.