Henshaws (North West) News Archive

Henshaws July - 2010

The pupils of William Hulme's Grammar School, on Spring Bridge Road in Manchester, have raised nearly two thousand pounds for charity over the last school year. Students have been busy raising cash through a variety of events, including non uniform days, talent shows, concerts and a Valentine’s ball.

Warren Moore, head pupil at the successful Manchester academy presented Morris Loveland, a long standing volunteer for Henshaws Society for Blind People and former head teacher at the School, and Liz Greenwood, fundraising officer for St Anne’s Hospice, with cheques for £967.

Peter Booth, head of fundraising for Henshaws said: ‘Sometime people in our society are a little too quick to believe the worst about our young people. The pupils of William Hulme's School demonstrate that kindness, commitment and generosity of spirit are very much alive and well in the next generation. There efforts over the last year have been an inspiration to people of all ages and they, their parents and their school should be proud of what they’ve achieved. 

The award winning William Hulme's Grammar School has been one of Manchester leading schools, since its foundation in 1887. 

Find out more about the school at:  http://www.whgs-academy.org/ 

Henshaws - July 2010

A new free film club for blind and visually impaired citizens of Greater Manchester is now up and running and proving to be a popular attraction. The club, created by local charity Henshaws Society for Blind People, meets regularly at the Henshaws centre in Old Trafford, and is one of a number of social activities run by the Society, designed to broaden access into mainstream culture for blind and visually impaired people.

Mark Belcher, Community Services Manager at Henshaws told us: “Going to the pictures is something we all take for granted, its part of our everyday lives. We talk about the latest films with friends and colleagues all the time and there’s nothing wrong with that, but a visually impaired person can sometimes feel a bit excluded by the whole thing. For our country’s two million strong visually impaired community, including the 4% of who have no sight at all, technologies such as audio description are of enormous help in reducing that sense of isolation.”   

And volunteer group leader Mike Parsons said: “Henshaws film club uses the latest technology to provide superior sound quality for both the picture and the audio description service we use. We have a well stocked library drawn from a broad range of genres. The club has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and it’s a place where like minded people can not only enjoy a good film, but a brew and a natter as well!”     

Film distributors and TV company’s are now legally obliged to ensure that at least 10% of their output comes with an audio description service, with Sky already pledging to improve on this target in the near future.

To find out more about Henshaws Film club call Henshaws Society for Blind People on 0161 872 1234.    

Henshaws society for blind people currently have career opportunities for Support Workers and a Deputy Home Manager.

Working with young people with a visual impairment and other disabilities, within a supported living environment, currently within the Skelmersdale area.

For full job descriptions and application packs please visit www.job-merseyside.co.uk

Or contact – Supported Living Manager kerry.ryan@henshaws.org

A team of kind hearted Bobbies and support staff from Greater Manchester Police's Operational Communications Branch put their best feet forward this week as they took to the streets for a charity walking marathon in support of Henshaws society for blind people, on Wednesday the 9^th of June.

The intrepid team of 10, including team mascot Diesel the dog who padded every step of the way alongside them, set out on their 26 mile walk at 4am from Wigan Police Station.

Making their way through Hindley, West Houghton, Walkden, Farnworth, Radcliffe and Prestwich the team arrived at Manchester Town Hall at 3pm where the Lord Mayor of Manchester treated them to a civic reception.

Braving the wind and the rain the group then set out on the final leg of their journey to GMP headquarters where comedians Bobby Ball (from Cannon and Ball) and Charlie Ale greeted the walkers at the finish line.  

Maureen Carroll, organiser of the walk said: “We all take our sight for granted, and in the job that we do, we have a duty of care for vulnerable people who come into contact with us.

We have worked closely with the Henshaws Society for Blind over the last few months and the marathon gives us the opportunity to show our support and make our own contribution. It was tough, but we were determined to keep going, and it was all well worth it the end.”

Henshaws Community Fundraiser James Lester said: “This really is a fantastic contribution to supporting our work with blind and partially sited people in Greater Manchester. Everyone at Henshaws is very grateful indeed for the time and effort put in by these generous hearted walkers from the GMP.”  

You can support the team by visiting www.justgiving.com/teamtrafford to make a donation.  

A team of kind hearted Bobbies and support staff from Greater Manchester Police's Operational Communications Branch put their best feet forward this week as they took to the streets for a charity walking marathon in support of Henshaws society for blind people, on Wednesday the 9^th of June.

The intrepid team of 10, including team mascot Diesel the dog who padded every step of the way alongside them, set out on their 26 mile walk at 4am from Wigan Police Station.

Making their way through Hindley, West Houghton, Walkden, Farnworth, Radcliffe and Prestwich the team arrived at Manchester Town Hall at 3pm where the Lord Mayor of Manchester treated them to a civic reception.

Braving the wind and the rain the group then set out on the final leg of their journey to GMP headquarters where comedians Bobby Ball (from Cannon and Ball) and Charlie Ale greeted the walkers at the finish line.  

Maureen Carroll, organiser of the walk said: “We all take our sight for granted, and in the job that we do, we have a duty of care for vulnerable people who come into contact with us.

We have worked closely with the Henshaws Society for Blind over the last few months and the marathon gives us the opportunity to show our support and make our own contribution. It was tough, but we were determined to keep going, and it was all well worth it the end.”

Henshaws Community Fundraiser James Lester said: “This really is a fantastic contribution to supporting our work with blind and partially sited people in Greater Manchester. Everyone at Henshaws is very grateful indeed for the time and effort put in by these generous hearted walkers from the GMP.”  

You can support the team by visiting www.justgiving.com/teamtrafford to make a donation. 

The free 12 week training course, delivered in partnership with Bolton College, was designed exclusively for blind and visually impaired people by one of the regions oldest local charities the Greater Manchester based Henshaws society for blind people. Skillstep puts Lottery cash to good use by equipping visually impaired adults with the skills and self-belief they need to progress onto employment, training or voluntary work. Working to a modular system, students undertake confidence building exercises, as well as developing new assertive and interpersonal skills. On the practical side they also learn valuable new IT and vocational skills as well as completing a two-week work placement at the end of the course.  

Mark Belcher, Community Services Manager at Henshaws Manchester said: “we’re really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve through Skillstep with the grant from the national lottery. Not only have we been able to help local visually impaired people learn vital new skills we’ve also been able to give them a boost to their confidence, empowering them to take a variety of positive new steps in their lives”. 

Aysha Ahmed of Eccles, herself a graduate of the course said: “leaning so many new skills, and finding out that there was help and support out there, helped give me the confidence to try new things. I completed the course at the end of last year, and since March I’ve actually been running an IT course of my own at Henshaws.”

Peter Rhodes, of Belle Vue Manchester said: “the course is equipping me with a whole new set of IT skills which are literally opening up new worlds for me through access to the internet.”   

Catherine North, the Society’s Trusts and Grants coordinator said: “getting through to the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards means a lot to us. It’s recognition that we’ve really tried to make the very most of our lottery grant, which has given us the ability to do so much more with the course, like supporting the end of course work placements with the necessary equipment and software. And by doing this Skillstep, with the support of the national lottery, isn’t just helping local visually impaired people, we’re also helping to change perceptions of visual impairment within the local community.”

The first round of public voting for the award runs form 1June to 18 June. People can vote either by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or by phone on 0844 686 5384 (calls cost 5p from a BT landline) until midday on Friday 18 June. The three projects with the most votes in each category will go through to the final round of public voting.

Entry has officially closed for the British Gas Great North Swim but you can still grab a late charity registration with Henshaws Society for Blind People.

The UK’s premier outdoor swimming challenge was fully booked just six weeks after the event opened but we’ve still got 20 slots to give away.

The swim takes place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of September in the stunning setting of Lake Windermere. All the money you raise will help to fund our vital services in Manchester and Liverpool.

We’re always looking for fundraisers so the sooner you sign up the sooner you can get focused on sponsorship and physical preparation.

Last year over 6,000 hardy souls took to one of Britain's most beautiful lakes for the swim and organisers expect more than 7,000 this year.

There’ll be full support on the day for beginners and athletes alike and swimmers of all levels are encouraged to come along for a shot at the one mile course.

Help will be on hand but entrants must be confident about swimming that mile, so it’s time to get down to the local pool and build your stamina. However, most people taking part won’t have swum outdoors before, so you won’t be alone if it’s your first time.

The event (which has been voted the 5th top open-water swim in the world) will also be shown on TV. Fame and glory await you - get involved!

If you're up for the challenge, contact:
Manchester - james.lester@henshaws.org.uk or 0161 872 1234
Liverpool - nikki.andrews@henshaws.org.uk or 0151 227 1226

Henshaws have joined a partnership with ES Walton & Co - known as one of the best firms of Independent Financial Advisors in Merseyside.

ES Walton & Co are now giving Henshaws 25% of their fee for every customer who contacts them through Henshaws for financial advice.

Nikki Andrews, our Merseyside Fundraiser said: “ES Walton sponsored Henshaws’ Cavern Club event last year and our relationship has grown from there. They’ve bowled us over with their support and we really trust them as an organisation.”

ES Walton & Co offer comprehensive financial advice on investments, pensions, savings, retirement, mortgages, protection and business services.

For more information, contact Nikki Andrews at Henshaws on 0151 2271226 or call Keith Edwards at ES Walton & Co on 0151 236 8888 for a strictly no-obligation chat.

Read the latest edition of Outloud! magazine.

It's crammed full of stories, news and events from across the society.

p.s. Because there's so much going on at Henshaws, we can't fit everything into the magazine, so remember to visit the news pages on this website for more up-to-the-minute happenings.

Download spring/summer 2010 Outloud!

 If you want a hard copy to be sent to you at home or work, or you would like to receive in large print, Braille or audio formats, please get in touch

Can you spare some time once a month to lead a social group in Salford?

Our Broadwalk group is looking for a new group leader to keep them on the straight and narrow!

The members of the group have three things in common... They're all over 50 years old, they're all affected by sight loss... and they all like a bit of fun!

It's a highly rewarding volunteering role, where you would make a positive impact on the lives of its members, because without it, many would have no social activity at all.

The group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Pendleton Gateway, Broadwalk in Salford from 10am - 12noon.

If you can spare some time to help, please call Fiona Chadwick at Henshaws on 0161 872 1234.

Henshaws ahoy!  If you, or someone you know is blind or visually impaired and would like to sail a yacht, now's your chance.

This is a super opportunity for anyone with sea-legs... and it's completely FREE. 

It's a two-day course where you will learn to sail on the Menai Straits in North Wales. The course includes free accommodation and tuition from professional sailing instructors. And when you've finsihed the course, you will receive a Royal Yachting Association certificate.

The course is on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May.

If you, or someone you know is visually impaired, and you're up for this free sailing weekend, contact Linda or Debbie at Henshaws on 0151 227 1226.

We’re pleased to announce that Merseyside media personality, Pete Pinnington is lending his support to Henshaws by becoming an ambassador for our Merseyside centre.

Pete is a professional radio presenter with 20 years in the media industry. He presents two main shows on Cheshire’s Wire FM including the midweek ‘Home Run’ from 3-7pm and Saturday’s from 10am-2pm. And when he’s not doing that, he runs Pete Pinnington Presents, a full service event management company.

With his finger firmly on the local media pulse, Pete is now helping to raise awareness of Henshaws on his radio shows and is set to help us out at our larger events throughout the year.

Pete says he’s keen to help Henshaws for many reasons, partly because of the support our Liverpool team gave to his dad when he lost his sight back in the 1970s.

He remembers: “When my dad lost his sight, Henshaws stepped in to help. They did a wonderful job, helping dad to learn to adapt. It's a personal pleasure to be able to help and support the brilliant work that Henshaws does."

www.petepinnington.co.uk

Ice Cube Fashion Accessories are having a jewellery sale at our Liverpool resource centre on Thursday 13th May, 12pm - 2pm.

10% of the sale proceeds are going to Henshaws.

Find map and address details of our Liverpool centre here.

Volunteers Albert Leek and Sydney Percival joined a host of volunteers for our Salford Outreach spring party just before Easter.

Both Albert and Sydney have been volunteering for Henshaws for over 15 years and they accepted their Salford CVS certificates from the Mayor and Mayoress of the City of Salford, Councillor Roger Lightup and Valerie Fleet.

16 of our volunteers received certificates for their dedication to volunteering for Henshaws, but we made a fuss of Albert and Sydney because they celebrated their respective 85th and 83rd birthdays on the day of the party!

We've just bagged a load more places for the legendary Great North Swim on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of September.

We're really excited about this, because these places are like gold dust!

So, all we need now are more fab fundraisers to sign up to do the one-mile swim on the beautiful Lake Windermere.

We have 30 more places up for grabs, but be warned - they'll get snapped up quick!

If you're up for the challenge, contact:

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

North East - margaret.musgrave@henshaws.org.uk or 0191 275 9417

Yorkshire - victoria.nixon@henshaws.org.uk or 01423 886 451

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.