Henshaws : Who We Do It For - Stefi’s Story
Our daughter is 24 now, she is autistic and has a hip condition that makes it very hard for her to be mobile without aids.
Stefi left the education side of her life in Harrogate when she was 20. We as parents were very worried about her future. We were just given a few ideas of what may be good for her, given the odd leaflet and sent out to look at a couple of places.
Then Covid hit, we were in turmoil, nowhere for Stefi to go and no future for her in sight. We had heard of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre and as Stefi likes being creative we decided to give them a call. The phone was answered straight away and very professionally, and we were invited to come and have a look and a chat. We were very much welcomed, given a guided tour and asked the type of requirements Stefi needs over a cup of tea.
The overall feeling of the place was magic, very calm with a lot of happy art makers. On the way home we both knew straight away this was the place for Stefi, this is what we had been looking for. Stefi was offered a place, building up her hours week by week as to not overwhelm her.
Henshaws staff are exceptional and could not have done more to help with Stefi’s needs. Every morning we drop Stefi off she is met by her one-to-one helper and we know she is in very safe hands. Stefi is so happy at Henshaws, she loves the art workers and staff, it is like one big family. This means so much to her and we as parents have noticed she has become so much more confident, joining in with the activities, meeting new friends and even enjoying the superb cafe at Henshaws.
Our lives have become so much more stable and calmer and we can see a great future for Stefi thanks to the fantastic work Henshaws and its staff are doing. Long may it continue.
