HAIR and BEAUTY students at Wiltshire College & University Centre recently offered free treatments to local unpaid carers as part of a special event held in partnership with Carers Together Wiltshire.
Organised by members of staff, the initiative saw around 15 carers enjoy a range of relaxing services – from facials and pedicures to haircuts and blow-dries – all delivered by students and lecturers in a real-world salon environment.
The event took place at The Aspire Academy of Hair & Beauty Aspire salon in Chippenham, which operates as a fully equipped training facility for beauty and hair students.
“We just wanted to do something nice,” said Beauty lecturer, Laura Lawrence. “It’s a great experience for the students, and it’s been a long year for them – they’ve been really excited. It also means a lot to them personally. Many of them are young carers themselves, so they really connected with the idea of giving something back.”
For many of the carers, taking time out from their responsibilities felt like a rare luxury.
Beverley, who cares for her son Tommy, hadn’t had a pedicure in years. “It was really lovely,” she said. “The student who looked after me was amazing – she managed to do the treatment while also chatting with my son. I haven’t had a pedicure in such a long time, and it just makes you feel nice – it’s good to be fussed over.”
Emma, who cares for her husband, received a facial. “It was 45 minutes of peace and quiet,” she said. “When you’re caring for someone, you rarely get time to yourself. Just that short break was very de-stressing.”
The event coincided with Carers Week, a national campaign that highlights the work of the millions of unpaid carers across the UK.
An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to someone who couldn’t manage without them due to illness, disability, mental health needs or addiction. That care can take many forms – from helping with personal care, medication and meals, to providing emotional support and companionship. Cares may be partners, parents, children, friends or neighbours – and many don’t even realise they’re taking on a role that qualifies them for support.
Kirsten Kerr, Service Delivery Manager at Carers Together Wiltshire, said raising awareness is crucial.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is that many carers don’t realise they’re carers,” she said. “They think they’re just doing what anyone would for a loved one. But the hours, the emotional load, the adjustments they make to their lives – it’s significant. And it takes a toll.”
She added:
“Every day, people are diagnosed with illnesses or cancers, and in that moment, an unpaid carer is often born – but they don’t realise it yet. It can take a long time for someone to recognise that they’re a carer and to seek support. That’s why it’s so important to us at Carers Together to raise awareness and events like this help people stop and think: ‘Could I be a carer?’
Carers Together Wiltshire supports unpaid carers of all ages through information, advice, carer assessments, support groups, and practical help.
“Carers give so much – emotionally, physically, financially. If they weren’t doing what they do, a huge burden would fall on the public sector. They deserve recognition, but more than that they deserve real, tangible support,” said Kirsten.
Interested in studying Hair and Beauty? Explore our range of full-time and part-time courses.
Need support as a carer? Visit Carers Together Wiltshire for more information, advice, and recourses.
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