tag archive for : manchester

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.”

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