Henshaws : Why We Do It - Olivia’s Story
At 23 years old, Olivia is full of life. She is chatty, sociable, and loves nothing more than getting to know people. Her family describe her as a true “social butterfly”, happiest when surrounded by others, sharing stories, and, of course, at a good party.
But Olivia also lives with a rare genetic syndrome, SETD5, which causes a range of medical issues and learning disabilities. In 2020, she was also diagnosed with Autism. Despite the many challenges this brings, Olivia has always approached life with energy, curiosity, and determination. What she needed was the right environment, one that could nurture her enthusiasm, channel her boundless energy, and provide her with meaningful opportunities to grow.
After leaving school, Olivia attended a number of different placements. Yet none seemed to truly meet her needs. Too often the activities on offer were repetitive, with little variety. Olivia would quickly lose interest, and it became clear that she needed more stimulation and opportunities to explore her many interests.
That changed when Olivia and her family discovered Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre. From their very first visit, they were struck by the warmth, inclusivity, and vibrancy of the Centre. The workshops were small, supportive, and welcoming. The staff were engaging, encouraging, and saw the individuality in every person who walked through the door. Most importantly, the Arts and Crafts Centre offered what Olivia had been missing elsewhere: choice. With a wide variety of activities each day, both morning and afternoon, there was always something new to try, something different to spark her imagination.
Olivia began by attending two days a week. She threw herself into workshops ranging from drama and woodwork to jewellery-making, even though fine motor skills had always been a challenge for her. To everyone’s delight, these sessions helped her develop those skills enormously, and she now proudly shares the beautiful items she has created, bird boxes, pickle trays, even a paper mannequin. Trips out of the Centre gave Olivia the added chance to experience independence and choice, both of which she embraced with enthusiasm.
Her confidence blossomed. After graduating from Henshaws College, Olivia received the Gillian Lawrence Award for her nursery placement, a moment of huge pride for both her family and the Centres team. And her love for the Arts only grew stronger. Olivia asked to increase her time there and now attends four days a week, with complete control over which sessions she wants to take part in. The sense of ownership and independence she feels is invaluable.
For Olivia, the Arts and Crafts Centre has become so much more than a place to go, it is a place where she is celebrated for who she is. She speaks with immense pride about her days, the friends she has made, and the staff she so deeply respects.
For her family, the impact has been just as profound.
“We just want Olivia to be happy in what she does,” they say. “And Henshaws makes that possible. They treat every person as an individual, they support not just Olivia but us as a family, and they create an environment where people with disabilities can thrive. It really is excellent value for money, and worth every penny. We recommend it to everyone, because what Henshaws does, they truly get right.”
Olivia’s story is one of joy, pride, and belonging.
And it is thanks to Henshaws that she has been given the chance to shine.
