Hello, I'm Sheilagh
The founder of Help with Handwriting and the ‘go-to’ person to help demystify handwriting for kids.
About Sheilagh Blyth and Help with Handwriting
Our approach is simple, fuss-free and engaging.
We’re here to demystify handwriting. Turning it into bite-sized achievable steps whilst keeping it fun as your handwriting tutor.
We’ve helped hundreds of kids from 6 to 16 year olds who have previously struggled to write. As much as the parents ask, sorry we don’t work with adults.
There is more than one way to teach handwriting. Teaching everyone, in the same way, is like fitting into a box, it does not work. We need to find out what style of handwriting tuition works for your child.
Two of my greatest joys are seeing the relief on the parent’s faces when they realise their child’s handwriting will not be holding them back from future opportunities. And when the kids try to hide their beaming smiles when they are pleased with how their writing looks.
"We help kids have school success and become more confident individuals by being that encouraging force for change, showing them how to make quick improvements to their handwriting. Making parents and teachers wonder how a transformation like that is possible."
Feel like it is a big challenge? – We get it
I’m a children’s occupational therapist and a handwriting expert with over 20 years experience, published author of 2 books – one of these is a best seller and the National Handwriting Association said this book was ‘fantastic’, spoken on BBC Radio, featured in The Telegraph and the Good Schools Guide. I’m also the Penguin Random House handwriting expert for the Peppa Pig book series.
I set up Help with Handwriting with a belief that many children were being shown the wrong techniques for them on how to write. I was concerned that they were losing faith that they would ever be able to write without someone going “What does that say?”. And I knew my occupational therapy skills would be the difference they were needing.
But I’m sure you don’t really want to know about that stuff!
You want to know why I am holding up a marathon number in the photo to the left. As a non-runner, I ran the London marathon thanks to a lucky ballot win. Not being built as a runner which is a kind way to refer to it. I had to take the concept of combining running and walking to heart to get around. It took me hours to do it and many a person dressed in a fancy costume passed me by.
I truly understand what it feels like to tackle a huge task. Learning to write is also a long journey, where you have to keep going when it gets tough and it takes practice. The reward at the end makes you forget all those practice runs. That’s what we want for your child too – the reward at the end where others are able to read their work.
And when I'm not working?
I can often be found either creating or making. I’m slightly obsessed with watching any home décor programme as I love to see creative projects that turn houses into homes.
Whenever I travel abroad I like to do a cookery course or something crafty. Experiencing the real place where I have travelled is a must for me. Here I am learning to make a lantern in Vietnam!
This page is not really ‘about me’, it is really ‘about us’, the team involved in Help with Handwriting. It all started back in 2016 when many people told me there would not be enough interest in handwriting. I am pleased to say they were wrong. Since then we have grown but remain small enough to get to know you and your child.
About the Team
Laura
Laura manages the support desk, she is invaluable. If you need to change a lesson or have a question she is the best person to help you. Often being able to answer everything quicker than myself.
Helen
Helen is our coordinator and Duke of Edinburgh Award assessor. She is behind the scenes making sure that all the courses run efficiently. She helps plan any launch dates and promotions.
This is what we believe:
Parents, not sure what to do next?
Book a free discovery call with Sheilagh, occupational therapist and founder. She’ll help find the right solution for your child.
Wish to be part of our fab team? Are you an occupational therapist? Looking to make a real difference in children’s lives? Let’s chat about working online as an OT.
We’ve been featured in:
The Telegraph
BBC Radio
The Good Schools Guide
Penguin Random House UK
TES SEN Show
Twinkl
University of Southampton
Occupational Therapy Show
About Help with Handwriting:
We’re an occupational therapy company helping children aged 4 to 16 years improve their handwriting. We believe handwriting is a life skill that everyone can learn and typing is not always the best option. Our way is to make it fun, engaging and real. Let us connect and make this work for your child.
We plant trees:
With every new student, we plant a tree for them to offset any extra use of paper when improving their handwriting.
Member of:
