Which service?

If you are not already familiar with Henshaws services, this page of frequently asked questions may help to guide you in the right direction.

I have just been diagnosed with a visual impairment. I am looking for more information about the condition and what help is available.

The Sight Loss section of this website contains information about sight conditions and living with sight loss which may answer some basic questions. Then scroll down this page to see if any of the other example questions here relate to your situation. If you are a patient at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Hope Hospital or Bolton Hospital you can access Henshaws Patient Support Service.

There is a baby, toddler, child or teenager in my family with a visual impairment, I'm looking for support, help, information and advice.

You need Henshaws Children & Family Service. If your child is aged 16+ and has additional disabilities you may be interested in Henshaws College, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, or  Community Housing.  You may also want to look at the Sight Loss section of this website for information about sight conditions and living with sight loss.

I am visually impaired, I am a parent, or am expecting a baby, I'm looking for reassurance and practical support to help me bring up my child.

You need Henshaws Children & Family Service. You may also want to look at the Sight Loss section of this website for information about sight conditions and living with sight loss.

I am a visually impaired adult, I want to get into paid or voluntary work or further education, I am looking for training and support.

You need our Skillstep training programme.

I am a visually impaired adult, I want to learn how to use a computer, learn about access technology and develop my general IT skills.

Henshaws runs an IT training project in the North West. IT Skills also form a significant part of the Skillstep programme if you are interested in a more vocational course focused on getting into work or further education.

I am a visually impaired young adult aged 16-21. I have additional disabilities. I want to learn independence and life skills in a supportive environment.

You need Henshaws College. Based in Harrogate, the College offers both residential and day places to students from across the Country. If you are looking at longer term residential opportunities in a supported, community setting, you may be interested in our Community Housing provision. In addition our Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough provides a daily programme of arts & crafts workshops for visually impaired adults to develop their creative skills.   

I am visually impaired person. I would like to  join a social or support group with other visually impaired people.

The Greater Manchester Resource Centre offers a range of social and support groups, particularly for older people, as well as a specific community based service in the Salford area. The Merseyside Centre also offers a range of groups from Tai Chi to Art to Braille for all age groups.

I am an employer. I would like my staff to undergo training about visual impairment so that we can better support visually impaired staff members.

Henshaws runs Visual Impairment Awareness Training (VIAT) for a range of organisations, and this can be specifically tailored to your organisation if necessary. Contact the Rehabilitation Team in your area for more information.

I am a teacher. I would like my pupils to learn more about visual impairment.

Henshaws staff are able to come to your school to take part in assembly or to deliver practical hands-on sessions in the classroom. We would cover issues such as eye conditions and living with sight loss, and give the pupils the opportunity to experience what it is like to be visually impaired by wearing simultation specs. Lessons can be tailored to all Key stages and in line with the curriculum. Contact the Rehabilitation team in the first instance to discuss your needs.

I would like to develop my skills and experience whilst helping Henshaws as a volunteer.

Most of Henshaws services rely on help from volunteers, and there are opportunities of all kinds. Please contact your local regional centre to explore the opportunities available which would suit you.