Knaresborough horticultural workshop blossoms thanks to generous grant from housing association

In 1810, a request in the will of businessman Thomas Henshaw, set up Henshaw’s Asylum for the Blind.

This has grown into a charity supporting individuals, families and carers living with sight loss as well as other disabilities across the North.

The charity’s Arts and Crafts Centre in Knaresborough offers a peaceful space for people with disabilities or support needs to become ‘Art Makers’ through creative workshops and training tailored to individual needs.

Its horticultural workshop allows artmakers to work outside as much as possible, doing many aspects of gardening from planting seeds to reworking and designing garden areas.

Thanks to a £350 grant from Broadacres, the horticultural workshop will be able to buy seeds, bulbs, and equipment, allowing participants to grow plants that can be sold or used in the cafe to support the centre’s work.

Flora Simpson, Philanthropy Manager, said: "Every step of the process encourages independence and a sense of achievement, helping our ‘Art Makers’ to learn useful new skills as well as recognise their self-worth.

“We are very grateful for the grant.

"We’re coming up to spring and £350 will go a long way to buying the seeds, bulbs, starter kits, and other equipment we need.”

The Broadacres Community Development Fund provides support to local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes.

All grants are approved by the association’s own residents.

Applications for the 2025/26 financial year are now closed, but future funding opportunities are available by visiting www.broadacres.org.uk.