Henshaws Specialist College

From our campus in Harrogate, we offer places for young people aged 16 to 25 with special education needs

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Henshaws Graduation 2022 Annabel Whyte

Henshaws Hints and Tips

Discover life-changing hacks for living with sight loss in Henshaws’ Hints and Tips Library

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there are two individuals seated at a table, engaged in a shared activity. The woman on the left is wearing a blue hoodie with the word

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

Where Art is Just the Start

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A close-up image of hands painting a striped ceramic pot in a pottery workshop. The person is holding a paintbrush and applying purple paint to the pot's surface. Various other colourful ceramic pieces are visible in the background on a yellow table. The image also features a decorative icon in the bottom right corner of orange pottery outlines.

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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.

  • A cheerful art maker interacts with a performer in a vibrant, colorful costume, holding a glittering, mosaic-like prop on stage.
    Arts & Crafts

    Pioneering Accessible Theatre with Concrete Youth

    Posted Dec 2024
  • Arts & Crafts

    Discover unique venue hire at Henshaws’ Arts and Crafts Centre!

    Posted Dec 2024
  • A smiling young man holding a white cane, standing in front of a blurred festive background with Christmas lights and decorations. The text reads: 'Give the Gift of Adventure' with the Henshaws logo and the email address fundraising@henshaws.org.uk.
    Fundraising

    Give the Gift of Adventure – Transform Lives This Christmas!

    Posted Nov 2024
  • Chloe holding her Access and CEA cards, alongside a closeup of a CEA card and the Henshaws Sight Loss Support Team logo on a vibrant pink background.
    Sight Loss

    Supporting Chloe: The power of one face-to-face meeting

    Posted Nov 2024
  • The image shows a festive graphic for "Henshaws 12 Days of Giving" with a purple background on the left and three gift boxes on the right in pink, red, and yellow, symbolising the spirit of giving.
    Arts & Crafts

    Join Henshaws’ 12 Days of Giving to Empower Artmakers with Disabilities

    Posted Nov 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