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

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

Join us for our Open Day’s this April and find out more about becoming an Artmaker

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Artmaker Andy participating in our pottery workshop at the Arts And Crafts Centre. He is presenting to camera a star-shaped pottery bowl that he is working on.

Henshaws Beer Fest

Returns for 2024 with a selection of local drinks, food & music

Book Tickets Here
Henshaws Beer Festival 2024 sponsored by Evelyn Partners

Upcoming Events

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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.

  • Pile of Tesco Stronger Start blue coins with pink and purple graphics.
    Arts & Crafts

    Help our Horticulture Workshop Grow with Tesco’s Stronger Starts

    Posted Mar 2024
  • Henshaws Beer Festival 2024 sponsored by Evelyn Partners
    Arts & Crafts

    Evelyn Partners Sponsor Knaresborough Beer Fest 2024!

    Posted Feb 2024
  • Examples of print workshop produced work
    Arts & Crafts

    Creativity in January 2024

    Posted Feb 2024
  • Service User Marjorie using her phone following training from Henshaws enablement team
    Sight Loss

    Never too old to learn digital skills

    Posted Jan 2024
  • Red Sky sunset at the Arts and Crafts Centre in December. The Christmas Tree has decorations and lights on it.
    Arts & Crafts

    Christmas Creativity at our Arts and Crafts Centre

    Posted Jan 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