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.

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.

“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.”