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.

We ARE Henshaws

At Henshaws, our work is guided by a shared set of principles that shape how we support individuals, families, and communities. They influence the way we deliver our services, how we treat one another, and the decisions we make for the future. These principles are at the heart of everything we do and create a culture where people feel supported, included, and able to thrive.

  • Ambition icon

    Ambition continuously striving to do more and do better.

  • Respect icon

    Respect acting with integrity, valuing each individual and their voice.

  • Empowerment icon

    Empowerment enabling others to thrive and take control of their lives

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.

  • Jenny, a woman with short brown hair, is focused as she sands a wooden piece in a workshop. She is wearing a magenta jacket, and the background includes tools, paintbrushes, and a workbench filled with materials for crafting and woodwork.
    Arts & Crafts

    Artmaker Voice Results 2025. What Our Community Told Us

    Posted Dec 2025
  • Sue and her daughter Hannah smiling and hugging while sitting together on a purple bench in a leafy garden.
    Arts & Crafts

    Hannah’s Story: Finding Her Happy Place at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

    Posted Dec 2025
  • Certificate graphic for the Communication Matters AAC Awards 2025. It announces that the Henshaws College Speech and Language Therapy Department has been shortlisted for the Setting of the Year Award. The design features a yellow geometric border and the Communication Matters AAC Awards logo at the top.
    Specialist College

    Henshaws Specialist College Shortlisted for the Communication Matters AAC Awards 2025

    Posted Dec 2025
  • Enablement Officer Josh leans over to support a woman reading a document, shown alongside a graphic of the Access to Work application form with the question “What type of support are you looking for?” and the options “Travel to or from work”, “Specialist equipment” or “Something else”.
    Sight Loss

    Ama: Feeling unsure to being reassured

    Posted Nov 2025
  • Secret Garden Appeal

    Bid Now in the Henshaws Silent Auction and Help Grow Our Secret Garden!

    Posted Oct 2025
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