Meet an Art Maker

Debra is a Henshaws College Graduate, and lives in a Henshaws Community House.

She is an art maker at the Arts & Crafts Centre, has had several exhibitions, and her work is for sale in our on-site shop.

Debra shares her story:

“I developed Benign Intracranial Hypertension when I was 20 years old, which means that my optic nerve became permanently scarred. I was in and out of hospital frequently for lumbar punctures, but sadly that didn’t solve the problem and I was left permanently and completely blind.

Losing your sight at the age of 21 is a terrifying and devastating experience. Crowds and busy streets scared me so I stayed at home. My confidence and motivation hit rock bottom. Thanks to Henshaws though, who taught me how to reclaim my independence, I have managed to rebuild my life.

I began my journey with Henshaws by enrolling as a student at Henshaws College, almost 20 years ago now! Today I live in Henshaws Community Housing and am a regular at the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. My experience as a student enabled me to develop the skills I needed to live an independent life without sight. Something which at first was incredibly difficult for me to accept I could do, but I quickly started to gain confidence with each new achievement.

My journey as a blind person continues today and I am very happy in my Henshaws home, which is specially designed for blind and visually impaired adults and comes with 24 hour support from Henshaws staff. We’re just like normal housemates, we laugh and joke, go out and socialise – the staff are there to help but we treat the house like it’s our own and it’s our home. I do all my own shopping and cooking and enjoy an active life.

I love attending the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. I regularly get involved in the papermaking and jewellery production units and have exhibitions of my work in the Gallery. My jewellery is even for sale in the centre’s shop, which I’m really proud of.

If it wasn’t for Henshaws I can’t even imagine how my life would have turned out, I don’t think I’d be doing a lot. With the support of Henshaws staff I have made a busy and fun life for myself and I love every minute of it.”