Henshaws

Older girl wearing a black headscarf hugs a younger boy in a climbing harness. A logo in the corner promotes the 'It's all about the kids gala ball 2026'.

Just 10 days to go until the It’s All About the Kids Gala Ball 💗

We’re honoured to be one of the beneficiary charities supporting young people across the North.

Thank you to Henshaws Ambassador Mike Hymanson, Eddie Lewis and the incredible team behind the event.

#ItsAllAboutTheKids #Fundraising

Green slide with the heading “Sight Loss Myth Busters.” Large white text reads: “What people often assume: Everyone with sight loss uses a cane or guide dog.”

White slide with the heading “The reality". Large green text reads: "Not everyone needs or chooses to use mobility aids. Many people navigate independently in different ways.” Decorative pink and green corner graphics appear.

Sight Loss Myth Busters – Week Three 💗

Sight loss isn’t always visible.

Not everyone with sight loss uses a cane or guide dog. You often can’t tell just by looking.

Read more:
https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/sight-loss-myth-busters/

#SightLoss 💗

Outdoor plant stall in bright sunshine outside the Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre. A tall metal display stand holds rows of spring plants, including primroses and pansies in pink, purple and yellow. Three wicker hanging baskets filled with mixed flowers hang from the middle shelf. Small shrubs and potted plants sit on the top shelves beside handwritten price signs. At the base of the display are more trays of colourful primroses and a larger plant with clusters of small reddish-pink flowers.

🧡 Spring has arrived at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre 🌼

Our plant stall is full of colour and spring scent, with primroses, pansies and hanging baskets for sale.

Every purchase supports our Artmakers.

#Henshaws #Knaresborough

Dave Steele looking off camera, wearing a black turtleneck and holding his cane. A banner across the bottom reads "Board of Trustees" with colourful geometric accents in the top right corner.

We’re delighted that Dave Steele has joined our Board of Trustees 💗

Dave already champions Henshaws as a Patron and now brings his lived experience of sight loss to help guide our work as a Trustee.

#Henshaws #SightLoss

Finding your voice can take time 💙

As part of #CollegesWeek2026, we’re sharing a moment that says so much about college life.

A student who once struggled to speak up confidently advocating for herself in her EHCP meeting.

Confidence builds. Independence grows.

#LoveOurColleges

A Henshaws staff member showing a young male student how to use a microwave.

A female student in a wheelchair smiles widely at the camera, with a young man stood beside her and looking towards her. They are outside with grass and trees visible behind them.

Students raising their hands in the air wearing bright pink 'Henshaws Graduate' sashes.

Celebrating young people this #CollegesWeek2026 💙

At Henshaws Specialist College, students are building independence, confidence and practical skills every day.

Every journey is different, and every achievement matters.

#LoveOurColleges #HenshawsSpecialistCollege

Graphic for Colleges Week 2026 with the theme “Skills for all” and dates 2nd-6th March 2026. Design includes a lightbulb illustration and education-themed icons.

#CollegesWeek2026 💙

'Skills for all' means inclusion.

At Henshaws Specialist College, students develop confidence, independence and employability skills that shape their futures.

Specialist colleges matter.

#LoveOurColleges #HenshawsSpecialistCollege

This isn’t just a water bottle 💜

Henshaws Hundreds is back. Raise £100 your way and support people with sight loss and disabilities.

Raise £10 and receive your bottle (while stocks last).

Fundraise. Change lives.

https://www.henshaws.org.uk/events/henshaws-hundreds-challenge/

#Fundraising

Makaton of the Month ✋💙

Our Artmakers kicked things off earlier this month. Now, it’s the turn of our Specialist College students.

They’re signing “cuddle” and “cold.” Very fitting for winter ❄️

#Makaton #SEND #HenshawsSpecialistCollege 💙

A selfie of Neil smiling at the camera, wearing sunglasses and holding up a Leeds Marathon medal.

Neil running the Leeds Marathon, smiling and waving towards the right of the camera. Other runners are visible around him.

Meet Neil, Team Henshaws 💜

London Marathon has always been on his bucket list. Inspired by a close friend at our Specialist College, he’s running in support of Henshaws.

Support his fundraising 👉 https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/neil-broadley

#TeamHenshaws

Sight Loss Myth Busters – Week Two 💗 

MYTH: Blind people can’t use smartphones.
FACT: Modern smartphones include built-in accessibility features like screen readers and magnification.

Read more:
https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/sight-loss-myth-busters/

#SightLoss

Quilled paper artwork of a stylised red face with one large round eye and white teeth against a yellow sunburst background.

Artmaker Mark smiling and standing next to his large black and white Big Ben sculpture.

Four of our Artmakers have been selected for the international Artworks Together exhibition 🧡

Out of 350+ global submissions, 70 works were chosen. All four were shortlisted for awards, with one winner 🏆

The exhibition runs until the end of May at Sheffield Millennium Gallery 🧡

#InclusiveArts

A split image of two people wearing Meta Smart Glasses: at the top is a woman smiling gazing upwards, and at the bottom is a man with a beard pointing towards his face. The image is decorated with teal and pink circular graphics and the text "New Blog" appears in the bottom corner.

Meta glasses are sparking talk in the visual impairment community 👓✨

Our latest blog explains what they are, how they work and shares real insight and key pros and cons 💚

https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/meta-glasses-a-mainstream-accessible-wearable/

#SightLoss #AccessibleTech #Henshaws

Text on a bright pink background: "TfGM concessionary pass holders. Free bus travel before 9:30am from 1st March in Greater Manchester. Buses only, not trams or trains."

Greater Manchester update 💚

From 1st March, TfGM concessionary bus pass holders can travel free on buses before 9.30am on weekdays.
This applies to buses only (not trams or trains).

A positive step for flexibility and independence.

#AccessibleTravel

Students Morgan and Luke sat next to each other, facing towards the camera with huge smiles on their faces. Morgan wears a cap and glasses, and Luke wears a light purple hoodie.

Students Morgan and Luke smiling, sat in front of a screen with the text 'Student Life, What's it like to be a student a student here?'.

Student Voice in action 💙

Luke and Morgan spoke at our Staff Induction Corporate Day, sharing their experiences of work experience, Student Parliament, menu tasting, independent travel and gardening & cooking sessions.

We’re so proud of them 👏

#HenshawsSpecialistCollege

Dark green background with white text reading “Myth” and a large light green X symbol. The quote reads: “If you can do that, you must have some sight.”

White background with green text reading “Fact.” Text explains that being able to do something doesn’t mean someone isn’t visually impaired, it often means they’ve adapted. Decorative corner graphics appear in pink and green.

💗 Sight Loss Myth Busters – Week One

The first in our series challenging myths about sight loss.

MYTH: Blind people can’t see anything.
FACT: Total blindness is rare. Sight loss exists on a spectrum.

Read more: https://www.henshaws.org.uk/hints-and-tips/sight-loss-myth-busters/

#SightLoss

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