Make-up night at the Ivy
16th August 2024
Photo credit: Glen King
HAIR AT THE ACADEMY (HATA) announces its newly formed sister organisation ‘Hair in the Community CIC’ (HITC) a not-for-profit social enterprise, has kickstarted its free Community School of Barbering by taking on two siblings from St Petrock’s.
HITC works closely with Exeter charity St. Petrock’s on behalf of people experiencing homelessness by providing free barbering services, including complimentary haircuts every Tuesday, and actively seeking two learners for a golden opportunity to receive vocational education and training to become fully qualified barbers.
Mary Pugsley MBE – Director & Founder of HATA & HITC says: “With a community-driven mission, our goal is funding charitable activities supporting disadvantaged individuals across Exeter, Devon and Somerset. Through these initiatives, we want to help them realise their potential, enhance mental health and well-being, assist in securing employment, or advance their education. We will provide free hairdressing, barbering, and beauty services; vocational education and training opportunities to those in need. We are delighted St. Petrock’s has found sisters Abigail and Anastasia to be at the forefront of becoming fully trained barbers.”
She adds: “We are actively seeking funding for HITC School of Barbering programme and reaching out to Exeter businesses and beyond, to back our project financially to make a real impact. Their contribution will not only transform the lives of these individuals but also benefit the community by providing them with a sustainable pathway to employment and independence.”
22-year-old Abigail and sister Anastasia aged 21 faced challenging circumstances throughout their lives. Anastasia spent her childhood in the care system, moving through various placements until finding stability in safe accommodation at the age of 16. Abigail also struggled and experienced many difficulties before finding refuge with supportive family members and eventually in a shelter.
The sisters were separated for 11 years before recently reuniting. Anastasia had distanced herself from her family but reconnected with Abigail. Since then, they have become inseparable, with Abigail taking on a maternal responsibility towards Anastasia and her other siblings. She explains: “I’ve taken on a nurturing role for my brothers and sisters – I may not have given birth to them, but they are my babies and I’m their big sister and so naturally I want to be there for them.”
“I had been quite down in the dumps,” says Abigail. “So, when this amazing opportunity was offered, I was excited to do it and asked Anastasia if she wanted to join me and she said, ‘Yeah cool let’s do it together’ and we are both so happy”.
Anastasia is over the moon with this new opportunity to become self-employed. “I’ve always been told I’ll never get far in life so excited to be doing something positive. Because of family issues, I’ve always seen myself as a failure. It will be wonderful to be known as somebody who is an achiever”.
Abigail and Anastasia share a flat and love living together. Anastasia says: I’m very OCD and like the flat to be spick and span to make it more homely and a place for us to live together where we don’t feel like a shared place. I want to help us both with our mental health and to thrive better and feel more comfortable. It’s just the two of us and we’ve made a house our home.”
Heidi Miller – Housing Officer at St. Petrock’s explains the journey. “Abigail was with us during lockdown because she got to age 18 and had to leave the accommodation where she was. It was quite limited on places to go, and she was very nervous about getting Covid.”
Abigail confirms: “Heidi has been an amazing support over the last 4 years getting me funding and therapy. She did a lot for me and is an absolute star.”
Despite challenging pasts, the sisters look forward to a brighter future and look out for each other through thick and thin. They are now embarking on a new opportunity to explore a shared interest in barbering. Anastasia’s motivation and Abigail’s support for each other have created a strong bond helping them face any challenges that come their way.
Mary Pugsley MBE: “We’re excited to train Abigail & Anastasia. It’s not just teaching them in the training room at St. Petrock’s, they will also come to the HATA salon where they’ll meet other students and get a real feel of being a barber. We and St. Petrock’s can offer so much support and they will no longer be alone.”
Fully qualified with a level 2 certificate in barbering Rhi Belcher, a former student of HATA, is the designated ‘Community Barbering Lead’ who will guide Abigail and Anastasia through the extensive training programme. She concludes: “I’m super excited about this new initiative and helping to make a real difference in Abigail and Anastasia’s lives. I feel very honoured to be part of this great project and I think both Abigail and Anastasia’s story is inspiring. We’re going to have a lot of fun together and at the end of the course they will have a great qualification and I believe the girls will be connected with HITC for the rest of their lives.”
https://www.hairattheacademy.co.uk/
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