Henshaws 'to end supported living' in Harrogate in new blow for clients and parents

Today the charity said it is to transition out of providing supported living housing for people with disabilities and special needs in Harrogate.

Nick Marr said: “Henshaws Home Support service was on a knife edge financially and the pressure on local authorities funding these and other places has increased.

"We are not able to sustain these services so we intend to transition out of providing them, at the latest, in October, to ensure the best continuity can be arranged for the service users. We will be consulting with staff in the service about the future of their roles.”

Families have already been notified of Henshaws intention to withdraw from the service.

Henshaws says it had given notice to North Yorkshire County Council in March that it was unable to continue the service from the beginning of June but was asked, because of the COVID-19 situation, to continue until the beginning of October and has been working with the county council to ensure a smooth transition.

The decision will affect about 21 residents, with a further three having already moved to different care providers.

A further 16 people who are not residents receive support and those services will transition as well.

The latest setback follows last week's shock announcement by the chief executive of the Manchester-based charity that the much-loved Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre at Bond End in Knaresborough would stay closed for the forseeable future as the financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown continues to be felt.

Heartbreak and anguish for parents over 'closure' of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre

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