Henshaws Specialist College

From our campus in Harrogate, we offer places for young people aged 18 to 25 with special education needs

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Henshaws Graduation 2022 Annabel Whyte

Henshaws Art Anonymous Sale

Explore anonymous art pieces by professional and local artists, supporting those with sight loss and disabilities.

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Henshaws Charity Art Anonymous Sale Logo with pink and purple graphics.

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

Where Art is Just the Start

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Art maker holding up a piece created in pottery

Upcoming Events

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Get the support you need

Supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations.

Art maker holding up a piece created in pottery

Our mission

Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations.

We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families to build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

How we helped last year

Supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations.

  • Specialist College icon

    96 % of Henshaws Specialist College Students reached their education targets.

  • Sight Loss Support Team icon

    2,965 people living with sight loss supported in Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

  • Arts and Crafts icon

    19,000 artmaker sessions completed at Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre.

Faces of Henshaws

College Student Cameron sat in the sensory room with balls and lights.

In many ways, Cameron has the same interests and wishes as any other 23-year-old. He loves to hang out with people his own age, to chill listening to music or watching a film, to dance, to be physically active, to visit a restaurant, not to mention showing off to someone he finds cute. However, all of these present barriers. Cameron is autistic and non-verbal, requiring round-the-clock 1-to-1 care. He needs assistance dressing himself, with personal care, and almost every aspect of his life. It is impossible to know his thoughts and he cannot easily tell us when he is confused, in pain, hungry, thirsty, too hot, too cold, or simply wants to do something or avoid doing something.

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Artmaker Stefi holding a pottery lizard.

The overall feeling of the Arts and Crafts Centre was magic, very calm with a lot of happy art makers. Every morning we drop Stefi off she is met by her one-to-one helper and we know she is in very safe hands. Stefi is so happy at Henshaws, she loves the art workers and staff, it is like one big family.

Stefi’s Parents
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Gareth road running, pink t-shirt, with a big smile

“When I was first diagnosed, Henshaws helped me understand my diagnosis, offered support through their Living with Sight Loss Course and Visual Impairment Awareness Training. They are imperative to the Visual Impairment community by enabling Visual Impaired people to maintain independence and offering support in any way they can.”

Gareth Blind Marathon Runner
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Latest News

Latest insights from the best in care. Explore industry trends, challenges, and solutions.

  • Henshaws Charity Art Anonymous Sale Logo with pink and purple graphics.
    Fundraising

    Support Henshaws’ Charity Art Sale and Discover Unique, Anonymous Art

    Posted Oct 2024
  • The image promotes "Henshaws Carols by Candlelight 2024" with festive baubles, snowflakes, and musical notes on a pink and blue background. The event name is prominently displayed in the centre, with no further details or sponsor information included.
    Fundraising

    Join Henshaws for Magical Charity Carols by Candlelight Concerts

    Posted Sep 2024
  • A man is captured mid-swing on a golf course, with his back facing the camera. He is dressed in a striped polo shirt, grey trousers, and a cap. He is holding a golf club, and the golf ball appears to have already been struck. In the background, there is a green field surrounded by dense trees under a clear sky, suggesting a sunny day. A yellow tee is visible on the grass in front of him.
    Fundraising

    Henshaws Charity Golf Day 2024: A Sunny Success

    Posted Sep 2024
  • Two pictures of Vicky Howarth. On the left, she is wearing a leotard and a medal and holding a trophy, smiling at the camera. On the right, she is riding a horse, jumping over a hurdle.
    Sight Loss

    Vicky Howarth: Championing Sport and Empowering Others

    Posted Sep 2024
  • Sight Loss

    Living well with sight loss!

    Posted Sep 2024
Henshaws graphic with pink and purple shapes

Learn how to get involved

From fundraising events to volunteering, there are plenty of ways to give to make a difference at Henshaws

Accreditations & Awards