A YOUNG woman who has had to live with a coordination disorder since she was 11 has successfully created her own support network for fellow sufferers.

Jessica Starns, 26, from Burnham (pictured), has created an online resource for dyspraxic young adults, who can gain support from specialists and other dyspraxic people to help them become more independent in adulthood. Dyspraxia is a common disorder that affects movement and co-ordination and is also known as developmental co-ordination disorder.

It is a condition that affects skills such as tasks requiring balance, kicking and throwing a ball, and fine motor skills, such as writing or using small objects carefully.

Jessica, who lives with dyspraxia, created the website called Dyspraxic Me, a peer transition support network for young adults with dyspraxia, offering those aged between 16 and 25 free monthly support meetings in London.

She started the project to raise awareness, increase the amount of literature on offer about the disorder and raise support for dyspraxic young people.

Jessica graduated from The School for Social Entrepreneurs Start Up programme, funded by the Lloyds banking group, at a ceremony on Wednesday November 30. The year-long programme supports entrepreneurs who are developing their own social businesses. Each entrepreneur receives a grant from the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs programme.

Ms Starns launched Dyspraxic Me in February 2014 when she decided she wanted to do something to help fellow dyspraxis and following the year-long course she has been able to elevate it to the next level.

Paula Rogers, Head of the Social Entrepreneurs Programme at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “This year’s cohort of students has made significant progress since joining the programme, and it is fantastic to see them developing their ideas and businesses first-hand. Supporting social enterprise is a key part of our commitment to helping Britain prosper and I look forward to witnessing the impact these entrepreneurs will continue to make in their communities.”