Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre has been awarded the first of 12 donations made by a commercial nursery in the Harrogate district.

Johnsons of Whixley has donated £150 worth of winter interest plants to the charity’s sensory garden in Knaresborough.

Henshaws provides vocational training, including art and horticulture workshops, for people with a wide range of both learning and physical disabilities.

The nursery hopes its donation will bring a splash of colour to anyone using the centre during the pandemic.

Johnsons is giving away 12 donations to Yorkshire charities this year as part of its centenary celebrations. Henshaws is the first recipient.

The plants donated include hamamelis, skimmia, sarcococca and helleborus.

Gemma Young, fundraising manager at Henshaws, said:

“We were so pleased to hear Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre were the first winners and can’t wait to see the blooms in their new home.

“Lorna and her team at Johnsons of Whixley were instrumental in the creation of the beautiful sensory garden at the centre a couple of years ago, and their continued support means such a lot to the community here.”

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Eleanor Richardson, marketing manager of Johnsons, said:

“2020 was a challenging year for many charities, including Henshaws, who rely heavily on donations to survive.

“It’s great to support Henshaws once again, we hope our plants spread cheer amongst staff, students and visitors for many years to come.”

At the start of the pandemic, Johnsons donated hundreds of plants to local villages and spent £5,000 in Whixley, the village where it is based, to restore a stained glass window in the church.

A new Harrogate-based provider will take over Henshaws residential services as the charity struggles with its finances.

Homes Together, which has run care homes for the last 16 years, will now run the service which includes seven homes in Harrogate and one in Knaresborough.

The Henshaws Residential Care service provides 24/7 for disabled adults.

It is different to the part time care of Henshaws supported living services, which North Yorkshire County Council is preparing to run.

North Yorkshire County Council is said to be supportive of the Residential Care transfer.

Read more:

• County council proposes taking over Henshaws homes service
• Henshaws Hundreds fundraises for struggling charity
• Family feels ‘let down’ by Henshaws senior management

The chief executive at Henshaws, Nick Marr, said today that the charity was “very distressed” to cease operation of the homes service:

“But we can no longer sustain the costs of our residential services. We will do everything we can to ensure continuity for our residents. It is critical to Henshaws that the service remains intact and continues with a recognised provider.

“Therefore, we are very pleased that a decision has been made to transfer the services to Homes Together.”

Steve Jones, who runs Homes Together, was previously the principal at Henshaws College. Many of his former students now live in the residential service.

Henshaws has invited its service users, parents and carers to take part in face-to-face or virtual meetings to raise any questions they might have.

All staff who currently work in the homes service have the opportunity to transfer on their existing terms to Homes Together.

Mr Marr added that despite “months of effort” Henshaws was unable to make the homes service sustainable.

The charity’s latest financial accounts detailed how in the year up to August 2018 it spent £12.3 million – which is £1 million more than its income.

No further accounts have been published by the organisation. The Stray Ferret has approached North Yorkshire County Council for a comment.

A 10-year-old from Harrogate will start a 100-mile cycling challenge today to raise funds for Henshaws.

Ewan Clarkson is a keen cyclist and wants to use his hobby to help others.

He will split the distance over three consecutive days, cycling at home on an electronic bike. During training, Ewan said he has watched TV “to keep me going”.

He said:

“I’ve been on the indoor bike building it up – over the past few days I’ve been doing 50km.

“Cycling is my passion. When I was little I went round the garden and the arts and craft centre which I loved. I wanted to raise money for them because how they help disabled people is amazing.”

Ewan’s initial fundraising target was £100 but by Friday he had already raised more than £240. To support him, click here.

Ewan often cycles with his dad, Ian Clarkson, and his parents were always supportive of his pledge. Ian said:

“We’ve always told him it’s not a race – it’s about getting the distance done. When he saw the challenge he wanted to do it straight away.

“He knows he can do the distance as long as his legs don’t give up. He’s taken his training seriously and he was determined. I think he’s ready.”

The charity said lockdown has left it struggling financially, initiatives like this are helping.

The Henshaws Hundreds challenge is a new fundraising initiative launched by the charity to raise vital money. It has experienced shortfalls this year which it attributes to coronavirus and the lack of charity events taking place.

Gemma Young, Henshaws’ fundraising manager for Yorkshire, said:

“Launching at the start of National Eye Health Week on September 21, for 10 whole days we are challenging supporters to do ‘your hundred, your way!’

“Inclusivity really is at the heart of this challenge. It’s possible to cover your chosen distance in a wheelchair, using a walking frame, walking on your hands, or by running, walking swimming or cycling.”

Read more:

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North Yorkshire County Council will take over the running of Henshaws’ supported living service from October.

Senior county councillors voted at a meeting of the authority’s executive today to take over the service, which currently has 10 properties in Harrogate with a capacity for 26 people in total.

It comes as county council bosses said they were not confident that handing over the service to another provider would not result in the loss of services and that taking over would “ensure full continuation of services”.

Cllr Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at the county council, said it was important for the authority to remember those people who use the service when deciding to take it over.

He said:

“A key thing here is not to lose sight of the fact that we have got individuals living independent lives and in order to do that they receive support funded by ourselves.

“It is absolutely critical that we do not lose sight of the benefits of a contract like this. Ultimately, on the one hand you could look at pounds and pence but on the other hand this is people being facilitated and supported to live independently.

“It is really important from a council perspective that we make sure that is possible. I think this is a good decision from a continuity of service perspective. 

“I think we can also look at what we are providing and the efficiency of doing that so we can deliver service continuity, efficient use of resources and positive recruitment opportunities in the Harrogate area.”

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services, added that transfer of staff over to the county council was subject to approval. If approved, the authority would then begin a recruitment process.

Read more on this story:

• “Home once a week for love and cuddles”: the experience of a family with a loved one in Henshaws during lockdown
• Why Henshaws is also closing its Arts and Crafts centre
• Henshaws to close homes service for disabled by October

The decision to close the service by Henshaws caused uncertainty for families with loved ones in the care of the charity

One family with a member with disabilities who uses the service said they would support the county council but urged them to “get it right”.

They said:

“I do believe that they want to make it work and get it right. What I do not want is for them to come in and think they can save money everywhere. They have to make it right.

“Everybody wants the same outcome, they want these adults to be supported well.”

It comes after Henshaws announced in June that it would close the service. The charity gave four weeks’ notice on the contract in March, but county council bosses negotiated a an extension until October in order to consider options for the future of the service.

Meanwhile, the charity’s CEO, Nick Marr, told the Stray Ferret that the charity has been on a “knife-edge financially”. Latest financial accounts from August 2018 show it to be spending £12.3 million – £1 million more than its income.

No further accounts have been published by the organisation. However, it announced earlier this year it would not be reopening its arts and crafts centre in Knaresborough because of financial difficulties.

Families with loved ones in the care of Henshaws will be waiting on a county council decision today on a proposal for the authority to take over the charity’s assisted living service.

North Yorkshire County Council bosses want to bring the service, which currently has 10 properties in Harrogate with a capacity for 26 people in total, in-house.

Senior councillors will vote on the proposal this morning, which would see the authority take over the service from October.

One family with a person with disabilities in Henshaws said they would support the county council, should it approve the plan, but urged them to “get it right”.

They said:

“I do believe that they want to make it work and get it right. What I do not want is for them to come in and think they can save money everywhere. They have to make it right.

“Everybody wants the same outcome, they want these adults to be supported well.”

Read more on this story:

• “Home once a week for love and cuddles”: the experience of a family with a loved one in Henshaws during lockdown
• Why Henshaws is also closing its Arts and Crafts centre
• Henshaws to close homes service for disabled by October

In a report, the county council said it is not confident that handing over the service to another company would not result in the loss of services and that taking over would “ensure full continuation of services”.

It comes as Henshaws announced back in June that it would close the service.

The charity’s CEO, Nick Marr, told the Stray Ferret that the charity has been on a “knife-edge financially”. Latest financial accounts from August 2018 show it to be spending £12.3 million – £1 million more than its income.

No further accounts have been published by the organisation. However, it announced earlier this year it would not be reopening its arts and crafts centre in Knaresborough because of financial difficulties.

The county council said it became aware of the charity’s financial situation in November 2019.

It added that it was now “determined” to get the best outcome for families by taking over the running of the supported living service.

North Yorkshire County Council looks set to take over supported living services for adults with learning difficulties in Harrogate from Henshaws.

A report due to go before the authority’s executive next week will seek approval to transfer the service in-house from October this year.

The service provided by Henshaws currently has 10 properties in Harrogate with a capacity for 26 people in total.

In the report, the county council said it is not confident that handing over the service to another company would not result in the loss of services and that taking over would “ensure full continuation of services”.

However, it added that the move to bring the service in-house does not rule out handing it over to another company at a later date.

Read more on this story:

• “Home once a week for love and cuddles”: the experience of a family with a loved one in Henshaws during lockdown
• Why Henshaws is also closing its Arts and Crafts centre
• Henshaws to close homes service for disabled by October

It comes after Henshaws CEO, Nick Marr, told the Stray Ferret that the charity has been on a “knife-edge financially”. Latest financial accounts from August 2018 show it to be spending £12.3 million – £1 million more than its income.

No further accounts have been published by the organisation. However, it announced earlier this year it would not be reopening its arts and crafts centre in Knaresborough because of financial difficulties.

The county council said it became aware of the charity’s financial situation in November 2019.

Four months later, Henshaws gave four weeks’ notice on its supported living contract before the authority negotiated an extension until October in order to consider options for the future of the service.

Now, the report before senior councillors said the county council is determined to get the best outcome for families and the taxpayer.

It said:

“Following significant work with the existing provider, we cannot be assured that they can deliver a provider to provider transfer without resulting in some services being withdrawn. 

“There remains a lack of clarity on the current services being offered and due diligence has highlighted that the existing service is heavily reliant upon agency staff.

“In responding to these issues, the council is determined to get the best outcome for individuals and their families, for the local community and for the taxpayer.”

Senior councillors on the county council’s executive will vote on the proposal to transfer the service at a meeting on August 25.

Henshaws has launched a new fundraising initiative to raise vital funds after experiencing shortfalls it attributes to coronavirus.

Its new Henshaws Hundreds Challenge will begin on September 21. Participants are asked to pick a hundred of any distance they like and get sponsored for it.

It costs £5 to sign up and all fees and sponsors will go to the charity to help support those living with disabilities to build skills and develop confidence. Participants can choose to complete their 100 alone or within a group and are asked to use a mobile app to track their distance.

Gemma Young, Henshaws Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire, said

“Inclusivity is at the heart of the Henshaws Hundreds challenge. It’s possible to cover your chosen distance in a wheelchair, using a walking frame, walking on your hands, or by running, walking swimming or cycling. Plus we hope we’ll also attract a few fun entries with people perhaps skateboarding, hula-hooping, or pogo-sticking their challenge!”

The money raised through the challenge will begin to cover the funds lost during missed fundraising opportunities over lockdown.

Read more:

• No plans to close Henshaws College as its arts and craft centre and supported living services have to close. 
• A mother describes how she kept in contact with her daughter in assisted living as they both had to self-isolate. 

The charity’s recent financial struggles forced it to close its arts and craft centre in Knaresborough and cut its supported living services.

Henshaws was criticised at the time by people whose family members were in the supported living facility who accused the charity of financial mismanagement. The families also said there was a disconnect between upper management and those using the service.

The charity responded to these claims and said:

“These are extremely difficult decisions being taken in exceptional circumstances and our team will continue to support people across Yorkshire in every way we can.”

Friends of the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate have launched an online exhibition focussing specifically on art works created through lockdown.

The exhibition, which opens on August 1, is open to all artists and creative people. The artwork will be displayed in 6 different categories including painting and drawing, ceramics and sculpture and an additional category for students.

The final date for submissions is 5pm on July 25th.  Organisers of the event will then choose the best pieces to be included in the exhibition.

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Submission from ceramic artists Eric Moss.

Deputy Chair of the Friends of the Mercer Project, Catherine Wright, told The Stray Ferret:

“It is funny where inspiration can come from, especially during these tough times. This exhibition is a great opportunity to share your work and show a bit of positivity during this dark time.”

Donations from the sale of artworks will go towards supporting Wellspring Therapy and Training in Starbeck and Henshaws.

For more information on how to enter visit https://www.friendsofthemercerartgallery.co.uk. 

Nearly 2500 people have signed a petition to try and save Henshaws Arts and Crafts centre from closure.

Henshaws said at the start of the month that it will need to make long term changes to ensure that its services have a future, including closing the community hub in Knaresborough for the foreseeable future.

That decision struck the people who rely on Henshaws Arts and Crafts hard, leading to the petition to save it.

Read more on this story:

• When Henshaws will stop its supported living service
• “Home once a week for love and cuddles,” the experience of a family with a loved one in Henshaws during the lockdown
• Why Henshaws is also closing its Arts and Crafts centre
• Why this family feels let down by Henshaws senior management

Caroline Dinsmore set it up and said that the centre has changed lives by transforming shy and unconfident disabled adults into confident and committed artists. She said:

“Let’s not lose staff skills and the most inspiring place to visit that Knaresborough and North Yorkshire have. My daughter has always wanted to work there, she says it’s her second family and when we visit everyone remembers her. It’s the one place we visit that she feels positive about being disabled.”

Alongside the closure of the Arts and Crafts Centre, the disability charity will also cut its supported living services in Harrogate. However, the charity said the college is not under threat.

Adrian Sudgen, Henshaws Specialist College principal, said:

“We understand the current closure of the Centre will undoubtedly cause a great deal of distress. We will do everything we can to help during these sad and uncertain times. These are extremely difficult decisions being taken in exceptional circumstances and our team will continue to support people across Yorkshire in every way we can.”

There are no plans to close Henshaws College despite the charity cutting back some of its services to balance the books.

Henshaws has cut the Arts and Crafts Centre as well as its supported living services but the college is safe for the foreseeable future.

The charity told The Stray Ferret that the college is a regulated service with different contractual responsibilities and different funding.

It has been open during lockdown with just over half of its pupils attending. The rest are either off because their parents are keeping them away or because the college does not have enough room.

Whether preparing for employment, making friends, or learning to live more independently, the college offers flexible courses for disabled young people.

Read more on this story:

• When Henshaws will stop its supported living service
• “Home once a week for love and cuddles,” the experience of a family with a loved one in Henshaws during the lockdown
• Why Henshaws is also closing its Arts and Crafts centre
• Why this family feels let down by Henshaws senior management

Henshaws College is still accepting applications for the next academic year and is planning to hold a virtual open day in July.

The charity says it is proud of the work it has done in the lockdown and has also won praise from the Department for Education and the CQC.