As we reach the end of another academic year, we want to say a huge thank you to all the employers who have worked with us to offer work placements to our students.
Theme: Independence
Showing 1-186 of 186 Posts
Alice’s Braille kit: Useful Braille devices
Discover some of the ways you can read and write using Braille, by going on a journey with Alice, who talks through the Braille devices she has used.
Top tips for spring for people with a visual impairment
Read our top tips for getting out and about safely in spring if you are visually impaired.
Accessible microwaves: What’s on the market?
Discover different options for accessible microwaves: low budget microwave with dials and bumpons, talking microwave, and Alexa controlled microwave.
Travel assist project with TfGM (update)
Learn about our partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, supporting the development of their Travel Assist solution.
Service user takeover: Meet Hadisa
Meet Hadisa, a Henshaws service user who shares her experience of living with a visual impairment. Learn how Henshaws has supported her.
Audible Vision app review
This Android app uses Artificial Intelligence to help visually impaired people become confident in everyday tasks.
Here Chris from our Digital Team gives the app a review.
Welcoming service users back to our Bolton Community Hub
Our Enablement Officer for Bolton, Carlton Milenkovic, discusses what it has been like welcoming back service users to the Bolton Community Hub.
Meet Philippa-our First Step Advisor
Meet Philippa, our First Step Advisor. Learn about her role and her responsibilities.
A descent into darkness: 10 rules of engagement
Simon Mahoney, a totally blind military veteran, talks through is 10 rules of engagement, his top tips for anybody coming to terms with sight loss.
Meet Matilda-Henshaws service user takeover
Meet Matilda, a Henshaws service user who shares her experiences of living with a visual impairment. Learn about her work as an artist.
Super Lidar: An app for exploring your environment
Find out about Super Lidar, an app that uses the Lidar scanner to enable you to find people and objects around you.
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.
Henshaws Digital Enablement Service: Impact of Covid-19
Find out how Covid-19 has impacted on our Digital Enablement Service, and the need for technology during the pandemic.
Henshaws and MADE: Museum accessibility top tips
Read about a project our children and young people were involved in, in partnership with MADE, in which they shared their top accessibility tips for museums and galleries. Find out
AirTags: Helping you find your items
Find out about AirTag, Apple's answer to item tracking. Find out how it compares with Tile, another item tracking solution.
Sight Loss and Dementia
Sight loss can mask as dementia, and go undetected for years. We’ll guide you on how to spot the signs, and what to do next if you suspect that someone has sight loss.
Envision Glasses: AI for your eye
Learn about the features of the Envision Glasses, AI-enabled smart glasses designed specifically for visually impaired people.
I Can Do It
Our course is a great way to learn about friendships, doing things for yourself & cooking - all through fun activities!
Supporting mobility with a Sunu Band
We took the Sunu Band, a wearable assistive device, on a test drive to see how it can support people with sight loss with their mobility and independence.
Henshaws staff meet with HRH The Earl of Wessex
Henshaws were invited to meet with Prince Edward via a Zoom meeting to discuss how our charity has been continuing to support people living with sight loss during the pandemic.
Pregnancy test re-designed for people with sight loss
The RNIB have launched a prototype pregnancy test for visually impaired people, making it possible for the first time to find out results independently.
The story of our Optelec digital magnifier giveaway!
Support from the Manchester High Sheriff's Fund enabled us to distribute Optelec digital magnifiers to the most vulnerable visually impaired people across Greater Manchester.
Recognising money if you have a visual impairment
Find out how to recognise money if you are visually impaired, and learn how the process has become easier since the introduction of polymer banknotes.
Tech Talk’s Top Tech of 2020
Find out what our Trafford and Oldham Tech Talk members voted as their favourite piece of technology in 2020.
Laundry Lens: An app to help with clothes washing
Find out about Laundry Lens, an app that can help you to interpret laundry labels when washing your clothes.
Using Pingit if you have a visual impairment
Find out about Pingit, an accessible solution for managing your money.
Visiting Manchester Central Library post-lockdown
We offer digital technology assessments at Manchester Central Library, so we went along to check out what's changed at the building since the COVID-19 lockdown.
Getting out and about: Using a smartphone to navigate independently
Hear from Lynne Nicholson, who is visually impaired and uses her smartphone and navigation apps to travel independently.
A day in the life of a sight loss Enablement Officer
Our Enablement Officer for the borough of Tameside, Greater Manchester, talks about her day-to-day duties supporting people living with sight loss in the local area.
Dictation solutions put to the test
There are a number of dictation solutions available, but which one is the best? We thought we would try some of the most common versions side by side to see how they performed.
Out and about on the high street after lockdown
Mark discusses how shops and services have changed since lockdown restrictions eased, in order to help better inform visually impaired people of what to expect when they go out.
COVID InSights: Nina’s story
'COVID InSights' is a new series from Henshaws in which blind and visually impaired individuals share their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through videos and blogs.
Coming out of lockdown if you are visually impaired (Part 2)
As the pandemic lockdown restrictions across the UK are eased, we discuss tips for how people with sight loss can prepare themselves for the 'new normal' in our towns and cities.
Life as an Enablement Officer at Henshaws
Kate, our Enablement Officer based in Oldham, explains her role in supporting the local sight loss community and the services that she delivers on a daily basis.
Coming out of lockdown if you are visually impaired (Part 1)
As lockdown restrictions across the UK are eased as part of the roadmap to recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, we discuss how people with a visual impairment may need support.
Top tips for helping a visually impaired person when they visit your venue
Top tips to businesses and venues that are re-opening after the Covid-19 lockdown on how to support visitors who are visually impaired in our new socially-distanced world.
Henshaws feature on BBC North West Tonight
Henshaws were featured in a report by BBC North West discussing the issues facing blind and visually impaired people during the Covid-19 pandemic, including social distancing.
Social distancing when you have a visual impairment
As a sight loss charity we thought it would be useful to share some top tips for social distancing when you have a visual impairment.
A counsellor’s guide to the stages of grief associated with sight loss
Our counsellor discusses how primarily, working with blind and partially sighted clients is rooted in supporting the issues connected to bereavement and its stages of grief.
Top tips for social distancing if you are blind or visually impaired
Our Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Simon, shares his top tips for social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic if you are blind or visually impaired.
How an Amazon Echo Show and a Wifi Hub connected a family during lockdown
Mark discusses how his first thought on the announcement of the Covid-19 lockdown was getting his elderly relatives some connectivity with an Amazon Echo Show.
Mindfulness for children with a visual impairment or additional support needs
Mindfulness can foster wellbeing, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, and provide coping mechanisms, which has proved to be beneficial to children with a visual impairment.
12 top tips for shopping for a visually impaired person
Our Senior Rehabilitation Officer, Simon Merrills, shares his top tips for helping a visually impaired person with their shopping, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
12 tips for keeping your visually impaired child entertained and educated at home
Most children will now be learning from home during this period. Follow our tips to find out what is right for you and your visually impaired child during this time.
7 gift ideas for people with sight loss
Knowing what to get your loved one for Christmas can be a struggle at the best of times. Here's some ideas from us at Henshaws for anyone with sight loss.
Meet Fred the centenarian with sight loss
I was very fortunate to be invited to meet one of our visually impaired service users from Oldham last month, just a few days after he celebrated his 100th birthday!
The Soundtrack to Henshaws: Community Services Top Tunes
Find out the songs that our Community Services staff put forward as the songs that represent what we're all about at Henshaws!
6 ‘Accidentally’ accessible products for people with sight loss
We review six products, three high-tech and three low-tech, which were not designed for someone with sight loss but are fully accessible and could increase independence.
Henshaws students strike silver
Students from our Specialist College in Harrogate recently celebrated completion of their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.
Eye-D: An app that can act as your eyes
We review Eye-D, an app for iOS and Android that enables people with a visual impairment to be more independent.
Get Out-and-About For Fun and Health
Don't let worries about accessibility put you off getting into the countryside. There are all sorts of resources out there to help.
Access to Work – making employment possible
If you’re disabled or have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to do your job, Access to Work is there to support you.
Tactile time travel? Reviewing the accessibility of Bolton Museum
We take a trip to Bolton Museum and it's new Egyptian Gallery. How accessible is it to visually impaired visitors?
Henshaws support for autistic people
Our Yorkshire services offer opportunities for autistic people to create a pathway to independence.
Volunteering to be the man behind the music
Ally happens to be registered severely sight impaired. He loves music and loves to take on new challenges. Find out how he found the opportunity to combine the two.
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.
First careers event at Specialist College
Our Specialist College welcomed local employers and support organisations onto campus for our first Careers Information, Advice & Guidance day for students and their families.
How can you use Amazon Echo as a digital solution in day-to-day life?
Smart devices can help to make everyday living that bit easier. Mark runs us through some ways that the Amazon Echo can be used by people with sight loss and other health problems.
The life-changing impact of yoga for visually impaired people; Diane’s Story
Yoga has amazing health benefits. Diane shares her story of how yoga changed her life, and teacher Rosanna provides advice for anyone feeling nervous about giving it a go.
‘Football at your fingertips’: reviewing the accessibility of the National Football Museum
The National Football Museum claims a number of accessible features, but what is it really like to visit as a disabled guest? Alice puts it to the test!
Henshaws Seven Steps is launching nationwide this World Sight Day!
We're pleased to announce that we're launching Henshaws Seven Steps; a much needed national roadmap for sight loss support, in conjunction with World Sight Day 2018.
“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.
Dave and Amy Steele Flying High for Henshaws
In April this year Henshaws ambassador Dave Steele and his wife Amy took a Fifteen Thousand Ft plunge from an airplane, all in the name of raising funds for Henshaws!
How Microsoft are raising the bar with their visual impairment technology
Technology has been rapidly developing, with lots of new potential digital solutions for visually impaired people. Mark shares an update on the latest from tech giants Microsoft.
Tips for managing your money when you’re visually impaired
For visually impaired people, managing and identifying money can be challenging. Follow our top four tips to help you handle your finances with confidence.
Be My Eyes and BeSpecular: the apps bringing volunteering into the digital world
We explore two apps that connect a visually impaired user with a sighted volunteer, and Community Services Development Manager Mark shares with us his experience as a volunteer.
“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!
“So look out world for here you come!” – Kate Simpson’s poem for daughter Tess
Henshaws fundraiser and mother to Tess, Kate Simpson, wrote a beautiful poem last year in celebration of the Henshaws College Graduation ceremony in July 2017.
“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.
Katie’s happy in her own home, even if that does make me feel guilty!
It’s hard to give your child to someone else – it’s a guilty feeling, but I don’t know what I would have done without Henshaws.
Henshaws supporting disabled people with autism
Our Yorkshire services offer opportunities for disabled people with autism to create a pathway to independence.
Henshaws gets Poetic
Visually impaired poet Dave Steele has joined Henshaws' team of ambassadors and tells us about his excitement about this recent opportunity.
“Constantly adjusting” – what life is like with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
Manchester based poet and Henshaws ambassador Dave Steele shares with us his experience on living with sight loss.
Mobility Canes: The Definitive Guide
There are many varieties of canes, but what is the real difference between them? We give you the breakdown of mobility canes.
Digital assessments & training
Henshaws digital enablement team are here to find the digital solution that works for you.
We’ve teamed up with Manchester Libraries to make technology more accessible
We're pleased to announce that we're partnered with Manchester Libraries to extend the support, advice and resources available for people with a visual impairment.
5 tips for communicating with someone with sight loss
Debbie talks to Kevin, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa, about his experience of good and bad communication.
Jake helps Team GB to European swimming success
Jake swims with the Downs Syndrome Swimming - Great Britain team. We find out how he and the squad got on at the 2017 European Championships.
Preparing young people with learning disabilities for work
The supported internship programme at our Specialist College helps prepare students with learning disabilities for employment. We find out more.
Travelling with sight loss (and children!)
Francesca is a single parent to two teenagers and has Stargardts Macular Dystrophy. Has this stopped her love of travel and adventure? No chance!
Visitors find their future at 4th Leisure, Lifestyle & Work Fair
Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, recently hosted its 4th annual Leisure, Lifestyle and Work Fair, a free transitions event for young disabled people.
Art Maker Safety Day in Knaresborough
We welcomed our local police and fire services to the Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough to find out ways to help us all stay safe.
Five accessible banking features you (probably) didn’t know existed
Most banks offer a range of services to make everyday banking more accessible for VI people. Our Tech Talk group share the best features that can help you bank independently.
intu shopping centres and Henshaws team up to make shopping more accessible
Last week, our Newcastle centre trained staff at intu Metrocentre and Eldon Square to be VI friendly and improve the experience for blind and visually impaired customers.
My Makaton Mission
Carl works at Henshaws College and is on a Makaton mission to make communication more accessible for those with special needs.
Juggling work, kids and sight loss
Francesca Scott started to lose her sight at aged 39, with two young children, a full-time job and living in a remote area... how did she cope?
Another successful Healthy Living Skills course!
Our latest Healthy Kitchen Skills course has just come to an end in Liverpool - congratulations to our course graduates!
Jam-packed timetable of events for Children & Families!
Our Children & Families service runs a number of different fun activities and events throughout the year; find out what we're running this summer in Greater Manchester.
Tips for communicating and providing services for visually impaired people
We teamed up with Manchester CCGs to understand how visually impaired people access health services, and how they can engage the group better. We share our findings and top tips.
One year on from Henshaws College
It is now almost a year since Tessa graduated from Henshaws College. We caught up with her mum, Kate, to find out how she's doing.
There when you need us most: volunteering at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Henshaws volunteer and Trustee Helen Brazier is back to share with us a typical morning on Henshaws’ information desk at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
Five signs that someone may have sight loss and dementia
Sight loss can mask as dementia, and go undetected for years. We’ll guide you on how to spot the signs, and what to do next if you suspect that someone has sight loss.
How can you read books when you have a visual impairment?
Having a visual impairment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy books! We’ve rounded up the best ways to access books when you’re blind or visually impaired.
I Can Do It’s fun-filled week at Children’s Adventure Farm
Last week, our independence course 'I Can Do It' spent the week at the Children's Adventure Farm in Altrincham, for a fun-filled week of cooking, animals and adventure!
A record breaking day at Skipton Triathlon!
Team Henshaws returned to Skipton Triathlon last week for the fifth year in a row, for a record breaking day of exercise and sun.
What do tactile pavements tell us?
Ever wondered what those different bumps and lumps on the pavement mean? Watch and learn.
5 ways my phone overcomes the fact I’m blind
Find out how 22 year old Rhys uses his iPhone to overcome the challenges his sight loss brings.
7 tips to make your business more accessible
Read our top tips for making your business accessible. By following our 7 tips, your place of work can be accessible for all.
I Can Do It goes to Children’s Adventure Farm
We have a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to take part in a four-night residential holiday at the Children’s Adventure Farm as part of our I Can Do It course.
Supported Internship success for student Jake
Our new Supported Internship scheme prepares young people with disabilities for the world of work. Here we share Jake’s success story.
What does Henshaws offer in Wigan and Leigh?
Meet Claire, our Community Enablement Officer for Wigan and Leigh, who shares shares with us what's going on in the area.
Take a trip down ‘Memory Lane’ with Henshaws
Liverpool's 'Memory Lane' group is returning in February 2017, with different sensory activities designed for both dementia and sight loss.
Living Well with Sight Loss course
These short courses are free to attend and aim to give you information and advice about living with your sight loss.
How accessible is social media if you have a visual impairment?
Social media is important for all facets of life, work and play, but how does it work if you have little or no vision?
New children and families services in Oldham
Our new Children & Families Enablement Officer Sara will be working in Oldham - find out about the services she will be offering around the local area.
I Can Do It Course for Children & Young People
Our course is a great way to learn about friendships, doing things for yourself & cooking - all through fun activities!
John’s top tips for supporting people with visual impairments over Christmas
We've adapted last year's blog from volunteer and service user John, where he runs us through his top tips for hosting someone with visual impairments the Christmas season.
I Can Do It! Natalie’s diary – cooking tips
Natalie shares with us her top tips for chopping and using a hob safely from our ongoing I Can Do It course in Tameside.
How our Henshaws homes are different
Henshaws housing is specially adapted for people with a range of disabilities. We cover some of the ways that homes can be adapted so they’re person-centred and accessible for all.
I Can Do It! Natalie’s diary – shopping tips
Natalie shares with us her top shopping tips from our ongoing I Can Do It course in Tameside.
Tessa’s big move: 10 tips for parents whose disabled child is leaving home
Kate, mum of Henshaws graduate Tessa, gives an honest account of her daughter's move to supported living and her top survival tips for parents whose disabled child is leaving home
I Can Do It! Natalie’s diary – independence in the home tips
Natalie shares with us her top tips to develop independence within the home from our ongoing I Can Do It course in Tameside.
10 ways you can adapt your home if you have a visual impairment
Your home is where you should feel most comfortable and relaxed, but it may need some adaptations to make it safe to live in if you’re visually impaired.
“You don’t look blind”
Many people presume someone who has little or no vision no longer appreciates the visual world, and may no longer care about what they wear or how they look. How wrong they are...
“I don’t have any sight so Jack describes what all the plants look like”
Henshaws volunteer Jack, tells us about his 10 years of volunteering at Henshaws, and why our unique Arts & Crafts Centre garden needs your support.
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.
(Even more) fun activities and ideas to keep your VI child entertained during the holidays
Getting stuck for ideas on what activities to do with your children over the summer holidays? We've got you covered!
It’s a second triumphant year for Henshaws at Vision UK
On Tuesday 14th June, our community team took part in the Vision UK 2016 conference, with 2 poster entries for projects from our Community Services.
How travel training can change lives
Nic, Disability Support Officer shares her top tips for promoting independent travel for people with disabilities.
We’ve teamed up with Transport for Greater Manchester
We're excited to announce that Henshaws and Transport for Greater Manchester have launched a new initiative to help make bus travel easier in Greater Manchester.
Autism shopping strategies – should more shops adopt the quiet hour?
Advice on shopping strategies for people with autism from Aimee Jackson, Autism Programme Leader at Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate.
Five steps to dealing with your sight loss
Henshaws Enablement Officer, Gail, shares the top five ways in which she can help to support people living with sight loss to live a more independent and fulfilled life.
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!"
Creating an edible sensory garden for our students
For World Autism Awareness week, we explore how our new edible sensory garden is making a difference to students in our specialist autism centre
Visually impaired Archery open day – free transportation from Henshaws
Join us for our visually impaired archery open day in Manchester, with free transportation from Henshaws.
How an iPad helped Anita’s independence
The novelty of being able to make calls on her own helped Anita gain an incredible skill...
It’s IMCYP’s First Birthday!
What a year! We are pleased to say that we have just completed the first year of our new BBC Children in Need funded project.
Meet Kate, our new Enablement Officer in Oldham
Kate Nattrass, our new Enablement Officer based in Oldham tells us more about herself and the work she'll be doing in Oldham.
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.
TapTapSee is Free (again!)
The app TapTapSee has now been made available for free - Community Services Development Manager Mark talks us through some of its features.
Henshaws exercise classes
Our classes will get you moving, at your own pace and ability, to improve your range of movement, strength & fitness.
“I love meeting different people and finding out what makes them dance”.
Meet Lee from our supported living service who simply loves his music and is now our resident DJ at our Arts & Crafts centre in Knaresborough!
“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.
Top tips for supporting people with visual impairments at Christmas
John, service user at Henshaws Liverpool Resource Centre, runs us through his top tips for hosting someone with visual impairments this Christmas.
ORCAM a potential technology game changer for those with a visual impairment
Our Community Services Development Manager Mark Belcher reviews what he thinks is a potentially game changing piece of wearable technology for those with visual impairments.
“I’m here to help low vision patients to improve the quality of their lives.”
Tony McGrail, Dispensing Optician and Low Vision Practitioner at Wallwork Opticians in Swinton, tells us about the benefits and outcomes of having a Low Vision Assessment.
Road to Rio (pt 2) – Hannah Russell
Paralympic swimmer and Henshaws ambassador Hannah Russell continues to share her road to the Rio Olympics.
When not helping is best!
Support worker Bill shared with me his approach to supporting Andrew, and how sometimes it can be best not to help…
Widening horizons and stretching boundaries – our first round of IMCYP courses have been a resounding success!
Our Children and Young People’s Enablement Officer, Natalie Thompson, tells us about the success of our first round of IMCYP courses which took place in Manchester this Summer.
Join us at Tatton Park for Christmas Carols and get into the festive spirit!
Visit the beautiful mansion for a walk round the staterooms and watch decorating/baking demonstrations, along with live classical music and a choir. You can also visit Tatton’s awa
Top 10 tips on using Windows 10’s accessibility options
Tom is our very own IT Technician at Henshaws in Manchester, and we’ve adapted his blog entry on the accessibility of Windows 10 into our ‘Top 10 Tips’.
“It’s about stretching yourself beyond your disabilities”
Alastair, a Henshaws volunteer who runs a triathlon club to support our service users to get involved in sport, reflects on their challenges so far.
How you can use Makaton to support communication
Henshaws College Speech and Language therapist Ellie runs through how Makaton works, and her top tips for using it as a communication tool.
Henshaws green-fingered graduates create floral display with local charity
We were visited last week by two of our former students who delivered these beautiful flower troughs which they’ve created for this year’s graduation ceremony.
Mountains of fun learning to ski at Chill Factore!
During the Spring Bank half term we took a group of children and young people to Chill Factore for a beginner’s taster ski-ing session: Fiona tells us more about their fab day out.
VI Talk – ‘Sharing ideas, information and support’
Jo Fishwick, the creator of VI Talk - a popular online podcast for blind and visually impaired people - shares with us an insight into the person behind the podcast.
“I really look forward to the cookery classes each week. With the right support, baking with no sight is easier than I’d imagined!”
Two of our service users, Tony and Audrey have been learning how to cook in a series of pilot cookery sessions - here they tell you their stories.
Celebrating our students at Henshaws Got Talent
With the final of Britain’s Got Talent taking place last weekend, we’d like to share with you our very own event, Henshaws Got Talent!
Supporting your child to maintain skills for independent living
Kate Simpson, mum to Tess, gives her top tips for supporting young people with disabilities to maintain skills for independent living.
“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.
‘I quickly felt how spacious and relaxed the environment was despite the constant buzz of activity inside!’
Visually impaired service user and volunteer Kim shares her visit to Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Knaresborough during the winter season
College has really helped me on my journey
College graduate Rachael now runs her own arts and crafts business from home. She explains what life is like for her now and how Henshaws supported her to achieve her goals.
How do you walk home on your own without sight?
Travel independently with our VI travel series from Andrew Rose: this weeks covers walking.
“I meet a huge variety of people and no two days are the same”
Helen is a volunteer on the information desk at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and she shares with us a typical day for her.
My mum and dad are proud of me & impressed with my confidence
Henshaws graduate Nathan came back to talk to us about his new craft shop and cafe which is putting the practical skills he learnt at College to good use.
Travelling Tips Series for those with a VI – Train travel
Travel independently with our VI travel series from Andrew Rose: this weeks covers using trains.
It’s about reopening doors that our students thought were closed
Our physiotherapist Lee at Henshaws College shares an insight into his role and how he's making a real difference to young people with disabilities.
Top 7 travel tips for people who are blind or visually impaired
At this time of year, many of us will be dreaming of summer and starting to plan holidays so we thought it would be a good idea to share some travel tips we have collected.
“People say football is only a game, but it’s more than that to me”
Henshaws Community Services attendee Paul tells us his story of how blind football has changed his life.
For the love of art
How do you communicate when you are deafblind? How do you communicate with someone who is deafblind? For Jon and Shirley, the answer is… through art.
Travelling Tips Series for those with a VI – Bus travel
Andrew Rose gives his top tips on how to travel independently travelling by bus with sight loss
“A positive attitude can be a great help”
The volunteers at the Henshaws Hospital Desk are back to share more stories of their experience of volunteering at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.
“We must not let young people with sight loss fall through the gaps”
Our Research and Information Manager Helen recently attended the Vision UK Conference held in London and tells us about her experience.
“Braille has provided me with independence and freedom”
Kim attends our Braille Group and tells us all about this tactile form of communication for the blind and visually impaired.
Supporting people with disabilities to develop employability skills
Julie, our Employability Skills Co-ordinator at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, tells us about her role and what we offer.
Henshaws Student Council: A voice for all students
We have a very active student council at College who represent the voices of all our students - hear from some of our council members about their roles.
An introduction from our children and family specialists
An introduction from our children and family specialists, Fiona and Zahida on their roles at Henshaws.
My experience as a severely sight impaired illustrator
Kimberley shares some of her illustrations, as well as how she won the competition for RNIB's ‘Young Illustrator of the Year’ title.
“My life revolved around my sight – or so I thought”
David shares with us his story on losing his sight, and how he discovered different activities including blind archery.
Innovative new technology for autistic learners
As today is the seventh annual World Autism Awareness Day, we wanted to share some exciting news and useful resources with you.
A day in my life
I’m often asked what it’s like to live life with a visual impairment. I just have to approach life in a slightly different way...
I’m slowly becoming more confident in everything that I do
Kimberley shares with us her experiences as a young person living with sight loss.
“You don’t need sight to use public transport”
Travel independently with our VI travel series from Andrew Rose: this week's blog covers using the tram.
Living with Glaucoma: Andrew’s Story
Art Maker Andrew has had an eye condition for at least 6 years. Here he shares his story in a video diary...
