HAIR and Beauty students at Wiltshire College & University Centre have raised over £450 for local homelessness charity Doorway by welcoming more than 100 clients into the College’s salons for a range of festive treatments.
The event, held at the College’s Chippenham campus, was open to fellow students, staff and members of the public, who were invited to donate in return for a Christmas treatment. Popular options included Christmas nail art, hair tinsel and winter skin refresh treatments.
The salons and atrium were transformed with a festive feel, giving students the opportunity to put their professional skills into practice while supporting a local cause.
Skills for Life students also got involved by baking an array of cakes, biscuits and festive treats, alongside student-made Christmas cards, all of which were sold during the event. A raffle was also held, with all proceeds going to Doorway.
The initiative was led by Laura Lawrence, Beauty Lecturer at Wiltshire College & University Centre, who already supports the local homeless charity through volunteering, including helping to prepare and serve meals on Christmas Eve.
Laura said: “The students put everything together themselves – from planning the treatments to researching the charity beforehand. It was important for them to understand who they were supporting and why. It’s great to be able to give back at this time of year and to see the students take so much pride in using their skills to help others.”
Members of the local community also attended the event, including Julie Bye from Chippenham.
Julie said: “My grandson comes to the College, so I saw they were holding this event. I haven’t had my nails or eyebrows done in years, and it was such a lovely experience. I’d love to come back for a hair trim. I fundraise and volunteer for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, and I’ve donated sleeping bags and blankets to Doorway in the past too – so it’s nice to be able to help a little bit more at this time of year.”
About Doorway
Doorway supports young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Wiltshire, providing accommodation, support and guidance to help them move forward.#
A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are very touched and thankful that local people think of Doorway for their donations and fundraising efforts because this really does sustain the services we provide, and it also helps to keep up the awareness of that we do in the community.”
