- Learned to measure and report social impact.
- Boosted sponsorship chances by appealing to companies.
- Launched Visual Impairment Awareness Training on GM Skills Map platform.
Founded in 1837, Henshaws Society for the Blind is one of the UK's oldest and most respected charities, dedicated to supporting individuals living with sight loss and vision impairment.
Serving over 3,600 people across the North of England, Henshaws provides a wide range of services, including Digital training, Counselling, Social groups, Children’s activities, One-to-one guidance, a Specialist Residential College and an Arts & Craft Centre.
Henshaws mission is to improve the quality of life, increase independence, and reduce social isolation for those affected by sight loss and a range of disabilities. The charity wanted to understand more about private organisations community contributions and how they could improve their corporate sponsorship positioning.
Henshaws first engaged with GM Business Growth Hub (BGH) by attending the “Power in Partnerships” Match event in January 2024. During this event, Paul Vicario, Social Value Specialist at the hub delivered an insightful presentation on social impact and its significance.
“Our workshops are designed to help give organisations an understanding of how they can generate impact within their community.
“This includes charities that have been running for a long time. The fundraising landscape has changed hugely over the last few years, and it’s important that organisations can adapt to safeguard their important missions. “
Paul Vicario, Social Value Specialist at GM Business Growth Hub
Impressed by what she heard at the event, Katie Beech, Senior Fundraiser at Henshaws, reached out to GM Business Growth Hub to explore ways the charity could further leverage support for its corporate partnerships and social value strategy. Having worked with the Hub in her previous role, Katie recognised the exceptional value it brings and introduced the connection to her current workplace. Katie was involved in the Skills for Growth initiative, which further reinforced her understanding of the Hub's unique benefits and its capacity to drive impactful collaborations.
They wanted to better highlight the positive difference they make in society and attract companies that value social responsibility. Following Paul’s advice, they sought help to achieve this by aligning their mission with a social value approach.
"Working with the GM Business Growth hub has helped us to gain a deeper understanding of what social value means to businesses and strengthened our ability to create meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with companies and their teams.
“This enhances our fundraising capabilities which better positions us to make a lasting impact on the lives of people living with visual impairments and on our mission to help more people, more often.”
Katie Beech, Senior Fundraiser from Henshaws
Support and Training
Henshaws engaged with the Hub’s tailored support programme, participating in key workshops including Introduction to Social Value and Measuring and Reporting Social Value.
These workshops introduced Henshaws to the TOMS (Themes, Outcomes, and Measures) framework, a key tool for measuring social impact.
In addition to group sessions, Henshaws received personalised support from the hub, guiding them in aligning their efforts with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals of businesses. This strategy is anticipated to enhance the support they receive from companies, with Henshaws aiming to raise £1 million in fundraised income over the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Outcomes
The partnership between Henshaws and GM Business Growth Hub led to several positive outcomes including:
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Enhanced Understanding of Social Impact: The team gained a deeper understanding of how private companies measure and report social value. This knowledge empowered Henshaws to present their impact in terms that align with businesses’ CSR objectives, enhancing their appeal to corporate partners.
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Improved Positioning for Corporate Sponsorships: They were able to frame their activities in ways that resonate better with businesses. This has improved the charity’s positioning for corporate sponsorships, increasing their ability to forge new collaborations.
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Mentoring Scheme Referral: The team at Henshaws have been given access to the hub’s mentoring programme, gaining access to experienced mentors who will provide guidance in areas including marketing, administration, and fundraising. While they have not yet been matched with a mentor, the programme is expected to be a vital resource as the charity seeks to scale its operations and impact.
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Knowledge Sharing and Training: The team also uploaded their Visual Impairment Awareness Training to the GM Skills Map platform, allowing businesses to access training on supporting individuals with visual impairments. This initiative helps extend Henshaw’s’ impact by educating businesses on the needs of those living with sight loss.
Next Steps and Future Goals
Looking forward, Henshaws plans to continue building on the momentum generated by their collaboration with GM Business Growth Hub. Key next steps include:
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Mentoring: Henshaws aims to gain support through the hub’s mentoring scheme, particularly to refine their fundraising strategy and improve their business operations.
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Increased Corporate Partnerships: Armed with the knowledge gained, Henshaws intends to engage more companies in supporting their cause through volunteering and event sponsorship opportunities.
“We will continue to work with the Growth Hub and we are so grateful for their ongoing support, including the opportunity to present at the Power in Partnerships event recently held in Stockport, where it was so inspiring to see such a high volume of businesses in attendance with social value at the forefront of their minds..
Working in partnership with businesses helps us to achieve a common goal of improving the lives of people in our local communities and we urge other organisations to embrace social value and the multitude of benefits that come with it.
There are many fantastic charities in Manchester, and local businesses have an important role to play in supporting them. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on our community."
Katie Beech, Senior Fundraiser from Henshaws
Henshaws invites everyone to attend their upcoming events to get involved and support the cause.
Henshaws Golf Day – Wednesday 30th April, Rudding Park Golf Course Yorkshire
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Enjoy a stunning day of golf at the beautiful Rudding Park, starting with a networking breakfast and ending with a post-course BBQ.
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Join as a team of 4 for £435.
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Gain great exposure for your business by sponsoring a hole for just £200.
To book, please email katie.beech@henshaws.org.uk
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge – Saturday 12th July 2025
Take on the iconic Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough peaks—24 miles in 12 hours!
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A memorable day filled with breathtaking views, the chance to strengthen team bonds while conquering a rewarding challenge, and the opportunity to support Henshaws' mission of empowering people living with sight loss in our local community.
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Our dedicated team is here to support your training and fundraising efforts, with a target of just £100 per person.
To register, please use this link.
By attending these events, you're not just enjoying yourself; you're also supporting a wonderful cause that truly impacts people's lives.
Contact Henshaws here:
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General Enquiries: 0300 222 5555
Check out Henshaws on social media: Henshaws | Facebook
Get in touch
Please contact us at 0161 3593050 or query below.
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