Henshaws (North West) News Archive

We took centre stage this week, accepting a cheque of £2010 from the Sale Nomads Theatre Group and Granada TV’s Fred Talbot.

The theatre group have been raising money for Henshaws with their stage shows and events.

Sarah Graves, last year’s President of Sale Nomads said, “Henshaws is special to us, so I really wanted to make them our chosen charity last year. The last pennies have just rolled in, and we’re thrilled to hand over this cheque.”

Granada TV's Fred Talbot said, “I’m a local lad myself, so I’m particularly pleased to be able to support the Nomads and Henshaws in this way. I really love the true community spirit they have generated here. Long may it continue.”

The Sale Nomads’ production of the classic British play, ‘Billy Liar’ opens on Wednesday 10^th March for four nights. The show starts 7.30pm and tickets are £6 and £5 concessions. For tickets call 0161 969 5140 or visit www.salenomads.org.uk

The Braille class running at our Old Trafford centre is the only one of its kind in Manchester - and students say it's given them a new focus in life. 

Pat Howie from Salford says, “I can now make simple things like labels for bottles of tablets. It doesn’t sound much, but to a blind person it gives you real peace of mind to know you are taking the right pill.”

It's given Tony Chorley from Eccles a new sense of independence and freedom too. “At first it was like going back to school. But now I can read Braille menus in restaurants without having to ask for help. I’m now more of my own man, just like everybody else.”

There are two types of Braille. Grade 1 is a basic alphabet where words are spelled out literally. A Harry Potter book printed in this basic Braille would amount to 12 volumes. Grade 2 is more advanced. Words are condensed and abbreviated, almost like ‘text-speak’. There are also new rules on grammar to learn.

Braille tutor, Gary Cassidy says, “I’m proud of how much the group has achieved. It is a confidence boost for them and now some students are progressing to job skills training. Learning Braille can open all sorts of doors for blind people.”

Our service users in Liverpool have the best bobs and barnets in town these days, all thanks to Mode Hairdressing Training Ltd.

Mode Hairdressing, based at the Queen’s Dock Commercial Centre, is offering cuts, colour, blow dry and restyles to anyone with a visual impairment, completely free of charge.

Linda Corness from our Liverpool centre said, “A lot of blind and sight-impaired people tell us how important it is to them to look good, so this relationship is just perfect.”

The free styling service is offered once a month on a Wednesday afternoon.

Debbie Tagoe from Mode Haidressing says, “Henshaws is close to our hearts, so it made sense that we helped in the way we know best. A few of us did jump out of a plane to raise money for Henshaws last year, but I’ll be the first to say, we’re far better at doing hair!”

Anyone with a visual impairment who wants to take advantage of the free styling service should contact Linda on 0151 227 1226.

On your marks... get set... and run like the clappers for Henshaws!

The Great Manchester 10k run takes place on Sunday 16th May and we've got places for you right now. But be quick off the mark folks, because these places always go like hot cakes.

Places for the Great Manchester run are £35 and we'd expect you to collect at least £200 in sponsorship, which will raise much needed funds for our services in Manchester and Liverpool.

We'll help you set up a justgiving fundraising webpage, kit you out with sponsorship forms and a bright orange Henshaws t-shirt... and cheer you over the finishing line!

If you're up for the run, contact:

Manchester - james.lester@henshaws.org.uk or 0161 872 1234

Liverpool - nikki.andrews@henshaws.org.uk or 0151 227 1226

We've just lauched a Henshaws YouTube channel - Henshaws1837 - so you can watch videos and films all about our work. 

Take a look at our film about Henshaws Yorkshire... or see our Community Fundraiser, James, talking about our involvement in the Manchester Evening News's Christmas toy appeal.

We'll be regularly updating the site with new videos - and you can subscribe to the channel so you don't miss a thing.

Our YouTube videos are also linked to our Facebook fan page, so if you haven't done so already, become a fan today!

GO PENGUINS online auction
This is a unique opportunity to pick up a rare penguin - and raise money for Henshaws too!

Wednesday 3rd - Friday 5th February

Preview and bid online at www.gopenguins.co.uk

Or preview the penguins in person at St George's Hall, Liverpool
Wednesday 3 February 8.30am – 8.00pm (closed 12.00 – 2.00pm)
Thursday 4 February 8.30am – 8.00pm

After the sensational success of Liverpool's 'Go Penguins' open art event, around 70 of the penguins are due to go to online charity auction.

Henshaws Fundraiser, Nikki Andrews says, "We're so excited and grateful to be one of the few charities to benefit from this unique auction. I would urge all art lovers out there to seize this one-off opportunity to own a piece of inimitable penquin art, and raise cash for charity too!"

If you missed Eric Fong's 'Ways of Seeing' art installation in Manchester and London last year, then never fear - you can now watch it online.

Three visually impaired art enthusiasts from our Manchester based Art Galleries and Museums Group collaborated with renowned artist Eric Fong to raise awareness of issues relating to art and visual impairments. 

'Ways of Seeing' was shown at Manchester's Chinese Arts Centre from January to April 2009, and then moved to London's APT Gallery in the summer.

The exhibition featured a short film documenting the experiences of Mai Ling Wong, Christine Gregory and her guide dog Shane, Margaret Wilson and their audio describer, Anne Hornsby, visiting an art exhibition at Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery.

Eric said: “The project explored how visual impairment affects access to art and examines the gap between seeing, hearing and understanding.” 

Take a look at the film, and find out more about Mai Ling, Christine, Margaret (and Shane!) are able to enjoy the visual arts. 

For more information about our Arts Galleries and Museums Group, take a look at our Groups page.

Henshaws got a wonderful new year's surprise when a cheque for £1009 landed on our doorstep this week.

Keen cyclist George Mills, 64, cycled 1009 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats - and was sponsored £1 for every mile.

George said, "Land's End to John O'Groats is the Holy Grail for cyclists - so when I retired in May I decided to do it. I know Henshaws from way back when I was a kid growing up in Salford, so I like to support them."

George, from Withington, raced in his youth.  Over the last thirteen years he has completed a number of sponsored bike rides for Henshaws, including Manchester to Blackpool and the Manchester 100, and has raised over £1180 from his previous endeavours.  All George's sponsorship money goes towards keeping Henshaws vital North West services operating.

Thanks George - and here's to your next challenge!

If you would like to take part in a challenge for Henshaws in 2010, visit our runs and challenges page.

The rain didn’t dampen spirits at our North West Children and Family Service Christmas party last Sunday.

Over 150 visually impaired children and young people enjoyed a fun filled Christmas party with their families at Warrington’s Gulliver’s World.

Over 280 people in total attended the party, which was part funded by a kind donation from Morson International.  Children aged from babies through to teenagers joined in the fun. 

Families who use the service in Greater Manchester and Merseyside enjoyed a day of rides, games and good food – and of course a visit to Santa who gave them all a Christmas gift!

Linda Hoburn, Children and Families Support Officer, said, “The weather might have been miserable but it did nothing to dampen the families’ spirits.  The party is such a great way to finish a year of fantastic events for the children we work with.” 

It is the first time that the party has been hosted by Gulliver’s World – and the first time that Manchester and Merseyside have joined together to host the event. 

Children and Families Support Officer Elaine Stewart added, “It’s also a great event for the parents, who get a chance to meet new people from our other areas and share support and tips.  Parenting a visually impaired child, or if you have a visual impairment yourself, can be tough.” 

Henshaws' visit to Manchester's famed Victoria Baths was named as one of the attraction's highlights of 2009.

Our Art Galleries and Museums Group visited the site, which was the winner of the BBC2 Restoration series, in September.  The group had a full tour with a touching and handling session, and audio description by Anne Hornsby.

The group were able to touch the Victorian tiles and stained glass.  They listened to the soundtrack of an old TV film about the Baths and local people’s reminiscences on CD and podcast. 

Volunteer Group Leader Mary Gifford said, "The people at the Baths were fantastically welcoming and were very pleased with the visit.  My Group raved about it!"

The group visit exhibitions and sites of interest across the North West on monthly visits.  If you would like more information about the group, please contact us on 0161 872 1234. 

We're on the hunt for a Manchester city centre venue to host a new IT course.

We have funding for laptops, wireless internet and course materials but we cannot afford to hire a city centre venue.

All we need is use of a room with tables and chairs once a week – there will be six students on the course.  To enable the students to get there easily and safely, it is preferable that the venue is close to bus, train or Metrolink routes. 

Community Services Manager Mark Belcher said, “90% of employers view people with a visual impairment as ‘impossible’ to employ.  Our course provides people with the first steps people need on the road to employment or further training – and dispels a lot of the myths about visual impairment that are out there.” 

We already provide pioneering IT training in communities across Merseyside.

We will give any company that are able to offer a room free visual impairment training for their staff. 

If you are able to help, or would like further information, please contact Mark Belcher on 0161 872 1234 or mark.belcher@henshaws.org.uk.

We’ve started a new home care visiting service in Old Trafford and Salford, helping local older people live more independently.

3.5 million older people in the UK live alone. Many are far from their families and over a quarter say they do not have a best friend. They often face worsening health, mobility problems and low income too.


But imagine if you had all this to cope with - and your eyesight is failing too.

With sight loss, the day-to-day activities you once took for granted become a huge struggle. The long days of loneliness can lead to real despair.

We don’t believe anyone with sight loss should have to face a future like this.

That’s why our new service volunteers visit older people in Trafford each week and help with tasks like dealing with correspondence, finances, healthy eating and keeping a safe and clean home. They also advise on techniques for making life easier such as using large print writing or tactile markings on bottles.

Our volunteers accompany the person on public transport so they can get their shopping, visit friends, go to the library, or pursue their interests.

These home visits are a lifeline to those living alone. Sadly local authorities struggle to provide this kind of care, and many blind and partially sighted older people have never had a visit from social services.

We rely on the kindness of our donors to fund this service. The cost of recruiting and training our volunteers works out at £25 per home visit.

Can you help us today? Anything you can spare will make a huge difference.

Calling all the ladies of Merseyside... This is a night jam packed with girlie goodies to leave you feeling pampered and proud to be a gorgeous girl.

Varsity Bar, Liverpool, Hanover Street, Liverpool
Wednesday 27th January @ 8.00pm

We're going to pamper you with champagne, beauty therapies, makeovers and manicures.... then we'll entertain you with live bands, a top DJ and lots of hunky waiters! And when it's done, you'll go home with an armful of fab clothes and a spring in your step...

Just bring yourselves, a £10 entrance fee and five unwanted good quality items of clothing that you want to swap.

All money raised will help more visually impaired people living in Merseyside. To book or for more information, contact Nikki on 0151 227 1226 or email nikki.andrews@henshaws.org.uk

We still have free copies of our 'Handy Guide' for children and families!

The popular guide has proved to be invaluable to hundreds of families who are affected by visual impairments.

Information in the guide includes: 

• Eye conditions 
• Professionals you may come into contact with
• Education, schools and statements
• Tips for around the home
• Ways help your child develop and communicate
• Children with complex needs
• Specialist toys
• Hospital visits
• Benefits, grants and registering as sight or severely sight impaired
• Leisure activities – trips, visits, sports, holidays and access to IT
• Support for visually impaired parents

To request a free copy please contact:

cfmanchester@henshaws.org.uk or call 0161 872 1234
cfliverpool@henshaws.org.uk or call 0151 227 1226

Debdale Park, Gorton - Thursday 29th October

Rising Sun Park, Benton - Friday 30th October

Burrs County Park, Bury - Saturday 31st October

Hesketh Park, Southport - Saturday 31st October

Abandon all hope ye who enter these parks on those fateful nights... For only the fearless families shall cross their boundaries - all to raise money for Henshaws.

We're now looking for more daring mums, dads and kids to brave our annual Halloween Walks - promising a frightfully fantastic family night in return.

The evening is scarily cheap: just £3 for children and adults. And anyone raising over £5 in sponsorship will be entered into a prize draw packed with terrifying treasures!

To book your place on the walks, call:
James on 0161 786 3661 (Debdale and Burrs County)
Nikki Andrews on 0151 227 1226 (Southport)
Margaret Musgrave on 0191 275 9417 (Benton)

Christmas is coming and we've got a great range of cards that will knock the stockings off anyone's mantlepiece...

They've all been designed by the people who use our services and every pack sold helps us to support even more.

We know money is tight for many people at the moment, so we’re giving you the chance to buy classic designs from previous years at rock bottom prices!

Each cellophane wrapped pack includes ten high quality cards of the same design, with ten white envelopes.

 Order your cards by calling 0161 872 1234 or email appeals@henshaws.org.uk

Come out of the cold air, step into the magnificent Manchester Cathedral and let our Christmas Concert warm your soul.

We've prepared another fabulous evening of live music, carol singing, nativity, Christmas readings and performance. All we need now is you to enjoy it!

Tickets for this fabulously festive affair always sell out, we suggest you book soon.

Carols by Candlelight takes place on Thursday 17th December at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £10 each and £5 for concessions. Call James on 0161 786 3661  for bookings and information.

Take a look at our video of last year's event.

We’re teaming up again with psychics Mike Ireland and Raymond Castrogiovanni to bring you the ‘Mystic Medium Psychic Roadshow’ at Moseley Hill Athletics Club on Friday 27^th November.

On the night, Mike and Raymond will perform a live mediumship show with audience interaction and offer individual psychic readings.

Mike has over 40 years in the business and Raymond has many TV and radio appearances under his belt, including BBC Radio Merseyside, House Busters (Channel Five) and Psychic Interactive (Sky TV).

Friday 27^th November

7.30pm

Tickets are £5 (pre booked) or £7 on the night. Private readings are available for £20 from 3pm. For tickets, please contact 0151 227 1226.  

Henshaws supporters Mike and Janet Salt, from Marple Bridge, planned to be the first visually impaired couple to walk the Great Wall of China. 

Sadly, Mike passed away in January - but Janet is determined to complete the trek in his name, raise vital funds for Henshaws and be the first deaf blind woman to undertake the challenge.

Accompanying her will be Glynis Howard, Henshaws Rehabilitation Manager, who will guide Janet on the trek. 

Janet said, “We're doing this as a fundraising tribute to Mike, especially as he was looking forward to doing it. But Glynis has been a great companion and I'm so glad we're going together.” 

Glynis, from Reddish, added, “It's an honour to walk with Janet on this trek. We've had a lot of fun training together and we're just hoping that the trek in China will be just as good.”

You can sponsor Janet and Glynis at www.justgiving.com/janetsaltchinatrek.

Here at Henshaws we have a fantastic relationship with our neighbours at Greater Manchester Police.

Police constables Catherine Caulfield, John Bellamy and Stefan Winstanley swam, cycled and ran to raise £511 towards our work in the local area. 

Chief Superintendent Janette McCormick, said: “A triathlon is a difficult physical challenge which requires strength, fitness and determination.  They have raised money for such a worthy cause.”

Henshaws community fundraiser, James Lester, added: “We are extremely grateful to the officers for taking part and helping us to raise these much needed funds.”

If you’ve been inspired by the officers to take on a challenge, give James a call on 0161 872 1234.