Our Values

Henshaws is a charity that has been helping people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities for over 180 years.

Mel and Shane feeding goats

We ARE Henshaws

Our New Values: In 2025 we updated our values following a staff and stakeholder consultation, ensuring they align with our mission, reflect our community, and support Henshaws future direction.

  • Ambition icon

    Ambition continuously striving to do more and do better.

  • Respect icon

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

  • Empowerment

    Empowerment enabling others to thrive and take control of their lives

Our Vision

A society where individuals of all abilities are valued, and no one is excluded because of their disability.

Student Alex at Henshaws Specialist College smiling and giving a thumbs up while wearing red ear defenders, seated in the Yurt

Our Mission

Henshaws is committed to empowering people living with sight loss and other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe in building inclusive communities where everyone can thrive, contribute and live the life they choose.

A man and a woman sat at a table, both laughing. The woman is leaning forwards onto the table, looking towards someone off camera who is sat across from her.

How we Support

Our dedicated staff and volunteers are the fuel of the organisation; they provide support, advice and training, enabling people and their families to build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.

Artmaker Jenna smiling with 12 different flour shaped pottery coasters in different shades of pink, purple, orange and yellow

Our Impact

We work throughout the North of England and our places include a Specialist College, Community Centres and an Arts & Crafts Centre. We support disabled people to be part of their local community. We are continually using technology to support more people, wherever they are, online.

Latest news

Keep up to date with all the latest news from across Henshaws.

  • A split image of Joel. On the left, he works on a laptop with a young woman and on the right he is kayaking on a river. The Henshaws Sight Loss Support Team logo is in the bottom right corner.
    Children & Young People

    Joel: Accessing opportunities and gaining independence

    Posted Apr 2026
  • Josh leans over to support a woman reading a document with a phone magnifier, with a corner graphic that says "A Day In The Life".
    Sight Loss

    Josh: A Day In The Life

    Posted Feb 2026
  • Daisy smiling performing at a Henshaws carol concert, wearing a Santa hat and holding an inflatable guitar, alongside another image of her laughing while seated in an office space. The Henshaws Sight Loss Support Team logo is in the bottom right corner.
    Children & Young People

    Daisy: Having fun and learning new skills

    Posted Jan 2026
  • 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
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