A Cumbrian woman who wants more support for people with dyslexia has shed light on the issue in a new film.

Rachel Mounsey wants greater dyslexia awareness in the workplace as help for those suffering from the condition can diminish when they leave education.

The 24-year-old from Appleby, who was diagnosed six years ago, said: “I know people who’ve felt embarrassed about disclosing that they are dyslexic because they’re worried their employer might think they won’t do as good a job.

“I’m very lucky because I’ve found coping mechanisms in my working life as a teacher and a drama coach, but many can find the transition into the workplace difficult.

“I’m worried that when people start work they may not get the same level of support that they had in education.”

She teamed up with the charity Fixers, which works with young people aged 16 to 25 to help them campaign on issues they feel strongly about, to make a short awareness film which aims to guide employers and show them how to offer support to dyslexic people.

Rachel is featured in the film and explains that no two people are affected by dyslexia in the same way.

Dyslexia is a common lifelong learning difficulty, thought to affect one in every 10 to 20 people, that can cause problems with reading, writing, spelling and concentration.

She said she finds it helpful to speak to her employer so any problems she has can be solved.

Things such as short clear sentences evenly spaced on a page can be helpful as is consistency with terms. Planning ahead to know what is expected of her is also beneficial.

“Dyslexia has made me work harder and it’s made me more creative,” Rachel added.

“With the support I received I’ve been able to get my job in education and help out other young people.

“I really hope my Fixers project will help educate employers so that if they have a person with dyslexia in the workplace, they will understand strategies to help them.”

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Rachel’s campaign has the backing of Kay Bowes from national charity Dyslexia Action who meets people with dyslexia on a regular basis who feel they haven’t received the support they need from their employer.

She explained that dyslexia is a processing difference and the impact is on so much more than just reading and spelling.

She said: “I think that is where the misconceptions about dyslexia arise, when employers take on people who don’t have any apparent difficulties with their literacy.

“They are our creative thinkers, our problem solvers, our innovators and our team leaders.

“That’s what employers are missing out on if they do not support these individuals effectively.”

Fixers has helped more than 18,000 youngsters across the UK to have a voice in their community on issues such as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide or transphobia.