Henshaws

A smiling woman holds an open, colourful box with craft items inside, like buttons, beads and ribbons. Two Artmakers beside her, also smiling, hold wire hearts in an art studio.

A closeup of a box containing colourful ribbons, buttons and craft supplies. A heart-shaped note reads, "To Henshaws, much love from Myrings."

Happy Valentine’s Day from Henshaws 💗

This week, Myrings Estate Agents visited our jewellery workshop with Valentine’s craft supplies for our Artmakers.

We’re grateful for the continued support from our local community 💗

#ValentinesDay #Henshaws #CommunityKindness

Makaton of the Month ✋💗

We’re launching a new series sharing Makaton signs with our Artmakers and students. Artmaker Kerry is starting us off by signing “to learn”. A fitting place to begin learning together!

#MakatonOfTheMonth #Henshaws #Makaton

A firefighter assists a young woman in operating a fire hose, both focused and engaged, near a fire truck.

A young man in glasses and a cap sits inside a fire truck, smiling. Another person in a red jacket is visible in the background.

💙 A great day out for our Specialist College students at Harrogate Fire Station 🚒

A warm welcome, brilliant accessibility and lots of smiles from students and staff alike. Learning outside the classroom at its best 💙

#HenshawsSpecialistCollege #InclusiveLearning #CollegeTrips #Accessibility

Confidence and mainstream tech 💚

Sarah shares how Meta smart glasses help her feel more secure, using AI to describe text and surroundings and support everyday life with sight loss.

🎥 Full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-wBd0oPazgA

#SightLoss #Accessibility #AssistiveTech #InclusiveTech

An Artmaker smiling and holding a paper with the word "happy" in front of a board asking, "How did the artworks make you feel?"

A colourful abstract painting with red, green, and blue hues, reflected on a glossy surface to cast colourful light on the wall and floor.

Our Artmakers had a brilliant visit to the Turner Prize exhibition last week 🎨

When asked how the artworks made her feel, Philippa wrote 'happy'.

That says it all 🧡

#HenshawsArtmakers #InclusiveArts

Smiling woman in a wheelchair outdoors, holding an orange ice lolly. Text: "We're Hiring! Assistant Respite Care Manager. Location - Starbeck, Harrogate. Closing date - 28th Feb, 12 noon."

We’re recruiting an Assistant Respite Care Manager (Short Breaks) in Harrogate 💗 

A leadership role supporting young people with complex needs and a dedicated care team.

Apply: https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/henshaws/jobs/assistant-short-breaks-care-manager-60400/en/

#CareJobs #Henshaws 💗

A student seated in a wheelchair at Leeds Medicine Museum, wrapped in a brown blanket with a red cushion, smiling and looking upwards.

A group of students and staff walking together along a path, with trees and railings lining the route.

Recent moments from College life 💙 

Supporting independence, confidence and learning through a range of experiences 💙

#HenshawsSpecialistCollege #InclusiveEducation

A group of eight smiling adults holding open laptops, standing in an office setting.

Huge thanks to AJ Bell who donated laptops to our Manchester office today 💗 

Your support helps us continue supporting people living with sight loss, and we really appreciated you taking the time to visit us 💗

#ThankYou #CommunitySupport #SightLoss #Henshaws

Colourful poster for Henshaws Imaginarium exhibition, featuring whimsical space and nature-themed art like astronauts, animals, and planets. Text reads 'Welcome to an exhibition by Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre at Harrogate Library 2nd Feb-28th Feb'.

Poster advertising a “Sensory Sculptures” workshop. A smiling woman sits at a table making a beaded wire sculpture. Text explains this is an Artmaker-led sensory session exploring bead and wire techniques to make jewellery and sculpture accessible to all. Participants will create a small beaded wire keepsake. Event details: Harrogate Library, £3, book via the library. Monday 23rd February, 10am-12pm. Henshaws and North Yorkshire Council logos included.

Poster advertising a “Junk Superhero Workshop”. Image shows a handmade superhero figure made from recycled materials. Text invites families to build and decorate their own superhero in an intergenerational workshop. Event details: £3 per child, ages 5+, book via the library. Saturday 7th February, 10:30am-12pm. Location: Harrogate Library. Henshaws and North Yorkshire Council logos shown.

Poster advertising an “Animal Mask Workshop”. Image shows three colourful animal masks made from recycled card and paper, including a tiger and fish design. Text describes a relaxed, hands-on session where children create their own animal masks using recycled craft materials. Event details: £3 per child, ages 4+, book via the library. Monday 16th February, 10am-11am at Harrogate Library. Henshaws and North Yorkshire Council logos included.

We’ve taken over Harrogate Library! 🧡

Henshaws Imaginarium fills all four floors with painting, prints, ceramics, textiles and 3D paper sculptures.

📅 2nd–28th Feb
🎉 Open afternoon: 10th Feb, 4pm–6:45pm

Meet the artists, celebrate creativity and explore Artmaker-led workshops!

InclusiveArts 🧡

A young boy laughing with an older woman in a social setting. Text overlaid: "WE'RE HIRING! 2 Strategic Partnerships Managers. Locations - Yorkshire, Manchester. Closing date - 11th Feb, 12pm noon. Salary - £40,313."

We’re recruiting Strategic Partnerships Managers 💗

Two permanent roles: Yorkshire and Manchester.

A great fit for someone with experience in business development and relationship management.

📅 11th Feb

Find out more and apply here: https://linktr.ee/henshaws

#CharityJobs #WorkWithPurpose

A close-up of a ceramic plate with a cut-out of a paper owl on top, showing detailed pencil lines and patterns as the artist works on the design.

A group of small, hand-painted pottery figures inspired by Disney characters, including a crab, a warthog and a girl, displayed together on a bright yellow table.

A handmade burger made of layered with felt and decorated with colourful beads and sequins, displayed on a table.

A handmade pottery plate inspired by Elton John, with the design of his face and the text 'King Elton' being etched by someone holding a scraping tool.

Arts and Crafts Centre updates 🧡 

Creative workshops that support wellbeing, self-expression and connection 🧑🏽‍🎨💛

#HenshawsArts #InclusiveArts

Two Henshaws staff members smiling, holding a large check for £3,600, made out to Henshaws. Three elderly people are sat in front of them.

💜 A huge thank you to Bupa Care Home Harrogate for raising £3,600 for Henshaws through fetes, raffles and Christmas events 🎉

We were especially moved to hear how meaningful visits from our students Ella and Tess have been 🥰

#ThankYou #Fundraising #CommunitySupport #Henshaws

Two young men sit together on grass outside a building, smiling and leaning against each other. A blue graphic overlay includes the text: “We’re hiring! Health and Safety Lead. Location – Starbeck, Harrogate. Closing date – 4th Feb, 12 noon.”

We're hiring a Health & Safety Lead to support safe and positive environments across our sites, with a base in Starbeck, Harrogate. 💗 

Flexible hours available.

Apply by 4th Feb 👉
https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/henshaws/jobs/health-and-safety-lead-60378/en/

#Jobs #CharityCareers

A woman smiles while sitting at a table with a mobile phone in her hand. In the foreground, another smartphone is held up showing a Henshaws blog page called “Accessible content: Image descriptions and more.”

Images are a big part of how we communicate online. Without alt text, VI people can miss out on information.

This blog shares how to make content more accessible. 💗

👉 https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/making-content-accessible-image-descriptions-and-other-tips/

#Accessibility #AltText

A student seated in a pink chair, smiling as she hits two wooden sticks together, using them as a percussion instrument.

A student seated in front of a large screen, pointing at a singalong animal music video on YouTube.

Music and expressive arts at Henshaws Specialist College 💙
 
Creative sessions that support communication, wellbeing and confidence! ⭐

#HenshawsSpecialistCollege #ExpressiveArts #Wellbeing

A wall display at the Arts and Crafts Centre featuring colourful handmade letters spelling “Artmakers Curate”, with framed artworks and text.

Artmakers Curate Wall 🧡 

A new monthly showcase celebrating one of our Artmakers each month, sharing their individual creativity and artistic voices 🥰

#HenshawsArts

Bright pink background with bold white text reading “Important phone line update”. Three light green line icons along the bottom show a phone handset, a rotary telephone and a smartphone.

📞 Important phone line update

Our main number 0300 222 5555 is currently experiencing technical issues.

In the meantime, please use this temporary contact number:
👉 02045 497065

Our phone lines will be open until 4.30pm today.

Thank you for your patience while we get this sorted 💗

A young woman in a powered wheelchair smiles widely while sitting outside in a green garden area, holding an orange ice lolly. She is turned towards another person with long brown hair. Overlaid text reads: “We’re hiring! Assistant Care Manager. Salary £31,241.60. Location: Harrogate. Closing date: 31st Jan, 12 noon.” Henshaws logo and colourful branded shapes are visible.

We’re hiring an Assistant Care Manager at Henshaws Specialist College 💙

A leadership role supporting young people through high-quality, person-centred care.

📅 Apply by 31st Jan, 12 noon

🔗 https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/henshaws/jobs/assistant-care-manager-59636/en/

#CareCareers #SENDCare

A students and staff stand smiling outside Emmerdale Studios, posing in front of a large black sign with “EMMERDALE” written in white letters on a brick wall, only partially visible.

A student sits on the Dingle family farmhouse sofa at Emmerdale Studios, smiling. He is wearing glasses, a dark jacket and a lanyard. The sofa is covered with bright crocheted blankets.

From visiting the Dingle farmhouse… to helping decorate it 🧶📺

After our trip to Emmerdale Studios, we’re excited to be creating a blanket for the Dingle family farmhouse made up of squares crocheted by our wonderful Henshaws community. 💙

#HenshawsSpecialistCollege #CreativeCommunity #Emmerdale

Daisy, a young woman with glasses, wearing a pink Henshaws t-shirt, Santa hat and festive tinsel, smiles while holding an inflatable guitar during a Christmas performance. Other performers wearing Santa hats and holding inflatable instruments stand beside her.

Daisy stands on a large paddleboard on a canal with two other young people. All three wear life jackets and hold paddles. Daisy stands in the centre holding a red paddle, while the others stand at either end.

Daisy sits smiling on a yellow office chair during her work experience at Henshaws’ head office. She wears glasses and a cream hoodie, with desks, computers and colleagues working in the background of the open-plan office.

💚 Daisy’s story is all about confidence, independence and trying new things.

"Having a visual impairment doesn’t stop you from doing your favourite things."

Read her story:
https://www.henshaws.org.uk/news/daisy-having-fun-and-learning-new-skills/

#Henshaws #SightLoss #YoungPeople

A group of people sit around a long table taking part in a group activity indoors. Several wear matching light-coloured sweatshirts with “Social Run Group” on the back. A tall pink Henshaws flag stands beside the table

We’re proud to be Up & Running’s Charity of the Year. 💜

Their support will help us continue empowering people living with disabilities to achieve their ambitions and live with confidence. 

Thank you, Up & Running 💜

#CharityOfTheYear #Fundraising #Henshaws

A smiling Artmaker stands outdoors holding a colourful handmade rainbow artwork. Overlaid text reads “What our Artmakers told us”. Decorative arts-themed icons surround the text, and the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre logo appears at the bottom.

Speech bubble graphic containing a quote: “These results reflect the voices of our Artmakers and show the positive effect that creativity, support and community can have.” The quote is attributed to Lisa, Head of the Arts and Crafts Centre.

Our Artmaker survey highlights the power of creativity and community:
91% feel they belong, 87% feel more confident and 89% have learnt a new skill.

Thank you to everyone who shared 💛

Full results here: https://www.henshaws.org.uk/news/artmaker-voice-results-2025-what-our-community-told-us/

A man wearing dark glasses sits at a table with another person, pointing at a smartphone together. Over the image is the text “Find us wherever you scroll,” surrounded by icons for social media platforms: Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads.

Find us wherever you scroll 💗

We’re now on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, Threads and Bluesky, sharing more stories than ever.

Find our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/henshaws

#Henshaws #SocialImpact #Inclusion

A smiling young boy wearing glasses and a light blue hooded raincoat with a shark pattern, sitting at a wooden picnic table outdoors. He looks happy and has stickers on his coat.

We’re part of the Co-op Local Community Fund!  💚

Co-op members can vote for Henshaws to help fund fun, inclusive activities for children with sight loss, building confidence and independence.

Find out more and choose your cause: https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/95227

#CoopCommunityFund

A collage of four Henshaws staff members holding handwritten signs. One colleague says they called 40 supporters, while others say they called 10 supporters each. The photos were taken in office and outdoor settings.

A collage of four Henshaws staff members holding signs saying they each called 10 supporters.

A brilliant end to our Thank-a-thon 💜

Colleagues from across Henshaws personally thanked over 250 supporters today. We’re so grateful for the community behind everything we do.

#ThankAThon #ThankYou

Katie, smiling and wearing a Henshaws lanyard, stands in an office holding a handwritten sign that reads: "Hello I'm Katie :) I've called 40 of our wonderful supporters today! Thank you".

Katie spreading the appreciation 💜

Our thank-a-thon continues! 

#ThankAThon #Grateful #HenshawsFamily

Laura, smiling in an office, holds a sign reading, "Hi, I'm Laura and I've called 10 of our incredible supporters today!"

A day full of thank yous 💜

We’re so grateful to everyone who supports Henshaws.

#ThankAThon #ThankYou

It’s our Thank-a-thon 💜

Today, colleagues from across Henshaws are coming together to personally thank the supporters who make our work possible.

From all of us at Henshaws – thank you 💜

#ThankAThon #ThankYou

An adult sits beside a student at a desk, supporting her with a learning activity. The student is smiling and wearing glasses and a blue hoodie with a Henshaws lanyard. Overlaid text reads: “We’re hiring! Tutor. Salary £26,637.44. Location Harrogate. Closing date 30th January, 12 noon.” The Henshaws logo appears in the top corner.

We’re recruiting a Tutor at Henshaws Specialist College (Harrogate)💙 

Support young adults with SEND through inclusive teaching that builds confidence and independence.

📅 Apply by 30th Jan 2026
👉 https://cezanneondemand.intervieweb.it/henshaws/jobs/tutor-60063/en/

#SENDCareers

A person sits at a desk using a desktop computer and keyboard. Overlaid on the image is a computer screen graphic displaying the GOV.UK Access to Work online claims page, asking “What type of support are you claiming for?” and showing the option “Travel to or from work”.

💗 Blog update: Access to Work

People new to GOV.UK One Login now need to prove their identity to access the Access to Work online claims portal.

Read more: https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/access-to-work-online-claims-portal-explained/

#AccessToWork