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12

Dec 2021

Last Updated: 12/12/2021
News
News

50 years of Henshaws College in Harrogate but much work still to do

by Connor Creaghan

| 12 Dec, 2021
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The current principal is proud of the Starbeck college's legacy and has big plans to improve the lives of students in the future. Henshaws has come a long way in the past 50 years and adapted as needs changed.

the-duchess-of-kent-opens-henshaws-in-1971
The Duchess of Kent opens Henshaws Specialist College in 1971 next to the college today.

As Henshaws celebrates the progress it has made for those with learning difficulties and disabilities in the past 50 years, the current principal believes there is much work still to do.

The Duchess of Kent , pictured, opened the college in 1971 when it was smaller and only for people with visual impairments. The college and attitudes have changed significantly since that day.

Today the charity welcomes a more diverse range of people, including those aged 16 to 25 with a range of sensory impairments, autism, physical disabilities, learning difficulties and specialist healthcare needs.

Coronavirus forced more muted anniversary celebrations, with students learning how to sign happy birthday in Makaton and creating art to express their feelings about the milestone.

Adrian Sugden, the current principal, is proud of the legacy and has big plans for the future. He told the Stray Ferret:

"I think Harrogate has a strong connection with Henshaws. Just in the three years I have been here I have seen that connection only grow stronger. We get much more support.
"It is lovely taking the students into Harrogate. They all wear their lanyards to say where they are from and they get lots of recognition.
"Lots of the local businesses are much more supportive as well. Not as many as I would like, I want to get more companies accepting students for work experience.
"I have seen people's awareness of disabilities improving. They are starting to see our students as people who can contribute positively even though they have complex needs."




The last couple of years with coronavirus has been difficult for Henshaws. While the college remained open throughout thanks to the commitment of staff, the charity has struggled.

Last year the Stray Ferret reported how Henshaws made the decision to close its supported living supported living services and residential services, which were taken by North Yorkshire County Council and Homes Together.

Mr Sugden pointed to a problem with the way the college is funded. As it is classed as independent it cannot access government or council funding so when it needs money the only way is through fundraising or increasing fees.



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One of the things Mr Sugden has enjoyed seeing is the increasing number of opportunities for students in Harrogate.

Not only is there Hopkins for those with learning difficulties and disabilities. Harrogate Skills 4 Living Centre opened its Harrogate Chocolate Factory cafe earlier this year and Artizen is also planning to open a cafe. He added:

"It's really positive to see that progress but sadly we are following America's lead on this. I am doing a really interesting piece of work with Harrogate College on this at the moment.
"I am also a believer in job carving, where our students could do one type of job which they enjoy at many different businesses. That way our students could make an incredible contribution.
"When you look at the national statistics of people with disabilities going into employment, it's frighteningly low. If we could improve that in Harrogate the town could become a leading example.