Meet Matilda, a Henshaws service user who shares her experiences of living with a visual impairment. Learn about her work as an artist.
Tag: henshaws stories
Meet Geoff-Henshaws service user takeover
Meet Geoff, a Henshaws service user who shares his experience of living with a visual impairment.
Nina’s Day-A day in the life of a Henshaws service user
Meet Nina, a Henshaws service user, who shares her experiences of visual impairment through a life in her day.
Blind Ultra Running… “Don’t believe in other people’s assumptions about what is possible”.
Francesca started losing her sight 12 years ago but that hasn't stopped her taking on new challenges like 'Lakes in a Day', a 50 mile ultra run through the fells.
Lest we forget… art to remember
Art Makers have been exploring their own family history through a beautiful new community art project.
“I lost my sight as a young child but not being able to see hasn’t stopped me getting fully involved in all aspects of life.”
Andrew attends Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre workshops, and has been an Art Maker for over 20 years! He shares his arts and crafts journey.
“The perception of care work is that it’s like babysitting, or all about personal care, and I’m here to tell you otherwise.”
Bill's a support worker with Henshaws Supported Living service in Yorkshire. He came from an engineering background and tells us why a career change has been so satisfying.
“The problems diabetes could cause were never really drilled into me; either that or I didn’t want to hear them.”
We spoke to Richard recently about the dangers that diabetes can bring in terms of sight loss, his personal experience and how coming to Henshaws has helped him.
Student William becomes a storyteller
By supporting William to develop his communication and IT skills he was able to write an original story and bring it to life through stop motion animation. What an achievement!
“I can even read the telephone directory with the magnifier, which is magic! How many people can read the telephone directory?”
Frank has attended Henshaws' Living with Sight Loss course and is a regular at our Tuesday group. He explains how Henshaws has helped him keep in touch with old friends!
Henshaws students gain red belts in Judo
Dermot Heslop from British Judo has been coaching students and staff at our Specialist College in judo. They recently achieved the standard required to be awarded their red belts.
“We have had the joy of knowing Max loves going to College and taking part as a key player, rather than a mere spectator.”
Max is a student at our specialist college and is based in The Starting Point, a dedicated setting for students on the autistic spectrum. Max's mum, Brigitte, shares her story.
Researching 180 years of Henshaws
Read about how Lena, our Research Intern found her time at Henshaws and discover some of the fascinating stories she unearthed while conducting her research
Manchester derby 1954 in aid of Henshaws
With the highly anticipated Manchester derby taking place this Sunday, we look back to 1954 when the two Manchester clubs went head to head in aid of Henshaws!
“I make sure all Art Makers have the freedom to express themselves through their work”
We speak to Art Maker Graham and workshop leader Maki to find out more about Graham's inspiration for his work and how he and Maki work together to bring his designs to life.
My experience of eye surgery
Eye surgery is a scary prospect and although we know it can be life changing, it’s also normal to worry about the potential risks. Zoe White shares her experience with us.
One more step: life after specialist college
A parent's experience of life after graduation from Kate Simpson, mum to Tessa who graduated from Henshaws Specialist College in July 2016.
Henshaws team conquer Leeds triathlon!
On Sunday 12th June, Henshaws Triathlon Team competed in the ITU World Triathlon Series in Leeds.
How travel training can change lives
Nic, Disability Support Officer shares her top tips for promoting independent travel for people with disabilities.
Travelling independently; another string to Alisdair’s bow
"I’ve learnt so much with Henshaws, but I’m really excited to share with you one of the biggest achievements I’ve made – travelling on my own from Yorkshire to Scotland!"
How an iPad helped Anita’s independence
The novelty of being able to make calls on her own helped Anita gain an incredible skill...
Sharing the sofa with grandma for the first time – Karina’s story
Henshaws College graduate Karina learnt to stand and walk so she could step into her grandma's house and enjoy spending time together as a family. Her Mum Amanda tells her story.
“I’ve conquered not only my fear of water but also a fear of being defined by my visual impairment”
Philippa Young, a Henshaws service user in the North-East tells us her inspiring story of how Henshaws has turned her life around since she joined us 18 months ago.
“He has never looked back since going to Henshaws”
Henshaws Specialist College graduate Edward left College in 2012. We were delighted when his mum Carole and dad Alec shared Edward’s story.
“It’s inspiring to meet someone who has faced the same difficulties and still manages to enjoy life”
We speak to two members at our Over 50s exercise class - Sylvia and Kathleen - to find out what they’ve gained from the classes.
“Henshaws helped me to rediscover skills I thought I’d lost… and I’ve not even scratched the surface yet”
Ron from our Liverpool centre shares with us his experience of Henshaws, and how he has been able to access new hobbies and skills since joining.