Louise Shelley, Participatory Project Coordinator, Showroom Gallery

“Communal Knowledge is a programme of collaborative projects with local and international artists and designers working in collaboration with groups and individuals living, working or studying in The Showroom’s neighbourhood – The course Henderson runs at CWC – Fresh Start, has been involved in several Communal Knowledge projects working with artists in research stages, the production of artworks, publications and events.

The input of Henderson and his students has considerably shaped projects and the direction of how we work and what we should address. This strength of knowledge, input and collective process is made entirely possible by the aptitude, motivation, and flexibility of Henderson. His role as tutor, mentee, curator, leader, participant, artist, collaborator allows the roles and strengths of others to grow, adapt and be open to various complex proposals often posited by the collaborating artists. I am yet to meet another tutor with such a strong, successful and diverse teaching style. 

Henderson’s way of working responds insightfully to surrounding discourses and the practices of others, allowing greater visibility for the struggles, potentials and futures of young people in London today”

Roberta Boschi, Manager of the Time for Paddington Programme, Paddington Waterside Partnership

“I felt compelled to write after the feedback I received from our volunteers after yet another successful event at City of Westminster College with ‘Fresh Start’ last week. I just wanted to congratulate Henderson for delivering such a fantastic programme for young people in Westminster. As Manager of the Time for Paddington programme at Paddington Waterside Partnership I work with over 75 schools, colleges and charities each year and Henderson continues to deliver some of the most consistently successful events of all of our community partners. The Fresh Start programme has been integral to providing skilled volunteering opportunities for companies in the area.  There is high demand from corporate companies to support employability projects in the community and yet there is a critical lack of organisations providing this service locally.

 Employee volunteers have taken so much from supporting young people on the Fresh Start programme and the events co-ordinated by Henderson and his colleague Sheromie continue to produce glowing feedback. It has taken two years to reach the level of service which Henderson, Sheromie and I provide to corporate partners in Paddington, this is thanks to our working relationship fostered on flexibility, passion and ability to deliver results. Last week a visit from Marks and Spencer’s prompted the Head of Finance in the E-commerce Team to describe her day at the college as “the most rewarding day of her career” she went on to say that she would re-arrange her diary to come back to the college time and time again. A second volunteer said he had been “overwhelmed at the intelligence and potential of the students he met”. Henderson always take the time to graciously thank the volunteers, collect feedback from students and follow up on actions discussed – laying foundations for long term relationships”

Rachel (Manager) - Prospects Careers Advice, Hackney

“A great session from H, engaged staff from the start, used a good range of activities that built up as staff confidence and trust grew. A fast paced yet relaxed session… Thumbs up from all staff involved.

Steve Korris, Quality & Training Director, MyBnk

Hey H,
A great bit of feedback from Candice at Kids Company came through about the EIB you did with them:
“I was away but met with two of our students today who did the programme – namely John Joe and Shawna. My goodness, I’ve never heard them rave so much about anything! They said they were hanging on to H’s every word (H was the person who facilitated the workshops from your end.) Usually people drift a bit when we have workshops and sometimes they take phone calls in the middle and they said to me it was the first time that everyone just sat and listened and took in absolutely everything he said to them.

They found the whole experience hugely beneficial and they’d give you some incredible feedback. They said if they had a chance to do it again they definitely would and they’d love to see H again…John Joe said he’d been so impressed by the workshops that he actually called MyBnk the next day and spoke to someone and gave lots of feedback” 

Mark Jenkins, South London Bus Manager and Senior Youth Worker at XLP

H is one of the most impressive educators and encouragers I have come across doing youth work. He has an amazing energy and positivity about him which captivates the young people and enables him to deliver his sessions. The young people had a fantastic time and I look forward to working with him again in the future

Deepa Pagarani, Training Work Placement Manager for Circle Sports

H is an energetic and inspiring coach. He has helped the young people in instilling confidence, realising their potential and giving them real/constructive advice on areas for improvement. The young people on our programme have made significant changes due to his input. We look forward to working with him in the future

Ms Jashinder Bains, Teacher of Business Studies, Central Foundation Girls’ School

The project taught by H was fun, engaging and very challenging! The “Enterprise in a Box” activity was an excellent way to address confidence and communication skills. H is a very enthusiastic and passionate person. His motivation is phenomenal and his eagerness to achieve motivates others around him. H was a fantastic teacher!

James MyBnk Education Officer

“H I wanted to take this opportunity to pass on how much I took from the session with you. The respect that you commanded and the clear influence you have with your students was incredible to watch. I love what I do and am desperate to reach young people in a way that engages them. I was inspired by your way with them and am driven by the difference that an individual can make.

I am not the type to get in touch after a session but today’s really got to me so I thought the best thing to do is pass that back”. 

Aaliyah 18 - Central Foundation Girls’ School

“My personal development sessions with H are very inspirational, really enjoyable and totally different…I’m glad he’s mentoring me”

Sean Porter, Progression Manager, Think Forward-Tomorrow's People

H – Thanks again for facilitating the two sessions. Was a roaring success and I’m attributing that almost exclusively to your delivery style and expertise. Feedback nothing but positives!