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 vibrant promotional poster for "Henshaws Beer Fest 2025," taking place on the 3rd and 4th of May. The background has a yellow radial sunburst pattern, with bold black and white text announcing the event. A pink banner highlights the "Henshaws" name. Illustrations of a foamy pint of beer, an acoustic guitar, and musical notes suggest live music and drinks. The poster also includes hop symbols and a wheat illustration. In the top right corner, a white box with the "Servoca Nursing and Care" logo indicates sponsorship.
    Fundraising

    Beer Fest Returns to Knaresborough for a Weekend of Great Beer, Food, and Live Music

    Posted Mar 2025
  • A man with glasses and a Henshaws lanyard sits at a table, sorting through papers. In the foreground, two accessibility cards are digitally overlaid: a Transport for Greater Manchester concessionary travel pass and a CEA Card for cinema access.
    Sight Loss

    Louise: How one question lead to so much more

    Posted Mar 2025
  • A sparkling silver background features silhouettes of children raising their hands in celebration. The bold black and white text reads "It's all about the kids charity Gala Ball 2025" in large letters, emphasizing the event's focus on children.
    Fundraising

    Take Part in the Children Charity Auction and Support Henshaws

    Posted Feb 2025
  • Williamt wearing a pink Henshaws t-shirt and a navy cap stands outdoors next to a trig point on a rocky hilltop. He is smiling and making a peace sign with one hand while resting his other hand on the stone marker. The background features a dry-stone wall, a clear blue sky, and rolling hills.
    Fundraising

    Team Henshaws in focus: William Hart 

    Posted Feb 2025
  • Two images of Sarah and her guide dog Pepsi: on the left, they are outdoors in front of a large telescope structure; on the right, Sarah, wearing reindeer antlers, affectionately hugs Pepsi indoors.
    Sight Loss

    Sarah’s perspective: What I wish people knew about sight loss

    Posted Jan 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