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

Carols by Candlelight  

Our annual carol concert returns to Manchester Cathedral on 6th December, with a number of fantastic performers.

Tickets on Sale now
Henshaws Carols by Candlelight 2023 logo with baubles and snowflakes graphics

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

At Henshaws Arts and Crafts we make more than art, we bring people together in an atmosphere that never fails to inspire

Arts and Crafts
Art maker holding up a piece created in pottery

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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.

  • Arts & Crafts

    Henshaws 12 Days of Giving

    Posted Nov 2023
  • Henshaws Art Anonymous Logo with pink and purple graphics.
    Fundraising

    Henshaws Anonymous Art sale is a huge success!

    Posted Nov 2023
  • Golf player on green happy after a good shot
    Fundraising

    Henshaws Best Charity Golf Day……By Par!!!

    Posted Sep 2023
  • Group of 9 Henshaws Walkers with 3 guide dogs.
    Volunteering

    Henshaws walking group for people with sight loss in push for more volunteers and participants on tenth anniversary

    Posted Sep 2023
  • Henshaws Art Anonymous Logo with pink and purple graphics.
    Fundraising

    Art Anonymous Sale Returns

    Posted Sep 2023
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