Inspiring Creativity: Community Fund Supports Multi-Sensory Experience At Yorkshire Arts Centre

A charity which empowers people living with sight loss and a range of disabilities has opened a dedicated multi-sensory room with funding from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF). 

Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre based in North Yorkshire provides a range of services and activities for people from across the county, putting creativity and independence at its heart. More than 175 Art Makers attend the centre in Knaresborough each week to learn skills ranging from woodwork, art, and IT to health and fitness, as well as taking part in volunteering opportunities. The venue is a popular community hub. 

The new multi-sensory room includes a craft zone, comfy seating, colour-changing mood lighting, bubble machines and more, providing immersive experiences where people can relax or enjoy arts and crafts and the surroundings. Complementary therapists are also on hand and incorporate massage, guided meditation and relaxation techniques.  

LNER’s community fund supports charities and organisations across the 956-mile East Coast route. To date more than one hundred projects have been awarded funding for their work in enhancing people’s opportunities to get into work, promoting mental health and wellbeing, helping people suffering from loneliness or social isolation and environmental initiatives. 

The new sensory room has received funding in the latest round of awards. 

Lisa Hart, Head of Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre, said: “The sensory room is an incredible addition to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre. It helps the Art Makers who come to the centre to focus, explore their senses and better express themselves creatively. We wouldn’t have been able to create the room without the funding and so we are very thankful to LNER for their support.” 

Amanda, mum of Art Maker Karina, said: “This space is absolutely fantastic for Karina. We’ve seen a massive change in her anxiety levels since she started coming to the room.” 

Claire Ansley, People and Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: " We are proud to support Henshaws through LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund. Our communities on our route are incredibly important to us. We continue to support many great charities and groups through the fund as part of LNER’s commitment to being a responsible business and it is fantastic to see just what a difference this funding can make.”