Hannah’s Story: Finding Her Happy Place at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

At Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, creativity and community change lives every day. Hannah’s story is one of joy, support and confidence.

Hannah has been part of the Henshaws family for over ten years. She first joined us as a residential student at our Specialist College, and today she’s a much-loved part of our Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. It’s her “happy place”; a space where she can truly be herself and build lasting friendships.

Through music, drama and poetry, Hannah has found strength and a sense of belonging. Her mum, Sue, says the Centre has helped Hannah become more independent and outgoing, and she loves seeing her daughter come home smiling at the end of each day.

In Hannah’s Words

My name is Hannah Reda, and I come to the Arts and Crafts Centre every week. I love spending time with my mum and family. I love going shopping, to the theatre, and cinema. I am a baking entrepreneur and I’ve just become a film star!

What was the filming day like with Katie?

Unbelievable, incredible and I’d do it again. It was lovely having my mum there. It made it more special because me and my mum are that close.

What does Henshaws do for you?

It’s made me get through the hard times. I’ve grown more self-esteem and confidence. I am able to speak up and express my feelings without being afraid.

What does it mean to you?

The entire universe, there is no place like this. I feel there should be more places like this, lots more people would benefit from it.

Hannah’s Journey: Captured on Camera

We’ve filmed three short videos to share Hannah’s story and show the difference the Arts and Crafts Centre makes to people’s lives. Together, they give a real sense of what Henshaws is all about: community, self-expression and the power of never giving up.

I can do it. I know I can.

Hannah

Hannah’s Mum, Sue

Sue talks about what Henshaws means to their family and how we’ve helped Hannah grow in confidence and happiness.

Video Description

Sue is a woman with light blonde hair cut to just above her shoulders with a fringe. She has glasses on her head and is wearing a short-sleeved dress with a khaki and black pattern. Sue sits on a wooden bench in an outdoor garden setting. The grass and trees behind her are luscious and green, and 2 handmade colourful sculptures sit on the grass. The video cuts to a brief shot of Sue and Hannah hugging with smiles on their faces. Throughout the video, Sue remains sat on the bench as she talks, with a warm expression on her face. At the end, an animated outro slides down onto the screen with the Henshaws logo and text that matches the voiceover.

Hannah and Sue Together

From tough times to poetry and laughter, Hannah and Sue share how creativity, friendship and community have made such a difference.

Video Description

Sue and Hannah sit on chairs next to each other in an outdoor garden setting. There is a stone sculpture behind them and trees and grass in the background. Throughout the video, they sit next to each other and regularly share loving glances. The video ends with them sharing a look and laughing together. At the end, an animated outro slides down onto the screen with the Henshaws logo and text that matches the voiceover.

A Day in the Life of Hannah

Join Hannah in her drama session and hear from the workshop leaders who inspire her.

Video Description

The video begins with Hannah standing outside with luscious green trees, bushes and grass behind her. She has short, thick, curly black hair and wears glasses and a pink blouse with floral embroidery and shiny dots. She leads us through a brick walkway with colourful artworks on the walls, before passing by workshops that have artwork in the windows.

As Hannah enters the drama workshop, there are people sat in a circle on chairs. As she talks, there are clips of different Artmakers smiling, dancing, acting, and performing circus skills. Douglas talks to camera with wooden cupboards behind him that are decorated with artwork. As he talks, there are more clips of the Artmakers signing and playing imaginative games. Hannah signs along to music, followed by multiple clips of Artmakers dancing and laughing together. Mike sits outside with a giant teapot sculpture and deck chair behind him. As he talks, there are shots of Artmakers singing, signing, hitting drums and dancing. This is followed by shots of Hannah taking part in the drama workshop; signing, laughing and encouraging other people.

The video ends with everyone in the drama workshop signing and dancing together. At the end, an animated outro slides down onto the screen with the Henshaws logo and text that matches the voiceover.