College launches mental health and wellbeing partnership with North Staffs Mind

Recognising the detrimental impact that the pandemic has had on the mental health on society generally, proactive Hairdressing Lecturer Rachael White, who is also a Mental Health Champion for NSCG, reached out to North Staffs Mind to offer service users of the charity free pamper and pick-me-up sessions in the Colleges popular commercial salons.

Lecturer Rachael White said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with North Staffs Mind, at NSCG we feel wellbeing is the focal part to everyone’s health and happiness. Every image viewed on social media or in a magazine has the ability to change your mood and the way you feel about yourself. Your hairstyle and how you feel about it is one of the many factors that can change your mood quite instantly.”

Continued Rachael: “We want to raise awareness and promote understanding and empowerment for people dealing with mental health matters. A positive change in appearance can give a fresh mental outlook on life, promote self-healing, give a confidence boost and help you feel a million dollars. This is why we are offering cut and blow dries and styling services free of charge to the amazing groups of young people and adults who receive support and advice from the fantastic team at Mind.”

Following the successful launch of hairdressing services to North Staffs Mind members, the College is also looking to offer pampering services to those living with, and supporting people with mental health problems. Commenting on this, Rachael said: “Carers can sometimes be overlooked, however, we know they do a fantastic job and we hope to be able to extend the current promotion to offer relaxing treatments in our Academy Beauty Therapy salon, to help them de-stress and relax too.”

North Staffs Mind offer an adult counselling service at a reduced rate for adults who are in receipt of Universal Credit and free peer support groups that run on Tuesday evenings between 6pm and 9pm at the RVC Centre in Hanley.

Kate Boundy, CEO of North Staffs Mind, said: “We are really excited about this positive and innovative new partnership project. We are constantly looking for new ways to work within our local community to raise awareness of mental health and boost mental wellbeing for our members. The demand on services has never been higher as the pandemic continues to affect us all. People are accessing our services for the first time and those living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges too.”

For more information about studying hairdressing or beauty therapy at NSCG Newcastle College or Stafford College, visit www.nscg.ac.uk, email info@nscg.ac.uk or call 01782 254254 (Newcastle) or 01785 223800. To book services in the Academy of Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, please contact: 01782 254321 (Newcastle) or 01785 275514 (Stafford).

For further information on the services offered by North Staffs Mind, contact Lydia Jenkins, Adult Peer Support Coordinator on 07809 414364