Tom Chapman, founder of The Lions Barber Collective & BarberTalk, mental wellbeing and suicide prevention charity cut the ribbon to officially open the HAIR AT THE ACADEMY’s (HATA) new hairdressing and barbering salon located in the centre of Exeter. 

Tom opened the ceremony with a few words: “I’m so proud and honoured to have been asked to officially open the new HAIR AT THE ACADEMY salon.  ‘The Lions Barber Collective’, recognise the hard work of unsung hair and beauty heroes across the UK, who go the extra mile to help others in a time of need, genuinely making a difference to someone’s life.  What has been created at HATA is truly life-changing for the individuals who are lucky enough to be there, and who have had an incredible impact on the community.”

Established in 2004 by Mary Pugsley MBE, HATA delivers a unique training programme in hairdressing, barbering, customer service, and Math’s & English supporting young adults with complex needs. The 52-week provision with an ethos of education to employment, achieves an impressive 95% success of getting students towards completion of work-ready qualifications.

Over 50 supporters including students, staff and industry experts in mental health attended the event which proved to be an emotional journey for so many.  Past, present, and future students Neysa; Tyler; Courtney; Kayleigh and Harvey bravely opened the presentations by sharing their individual and personal stories.

Glen King who organised the event comments: “Our hearts went out to the students; it was so courageous to stand up and talk in front of so many people about the obstacles and challenges they have had to face and how far they have come on their journey with the support of Mary and the team; there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

Exeter Charity ‘The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen’ (IWFS) provides support for disadvantaged young people aged 16 – 25 to receive training and assistance, to enable them into employment, fitting perfectly with HATA’s delivery programme.

based at the historical ‘Tuckers Hall’ in Fore Street came to Mary’s rescue when she needed to find larger premises, by purchasing freehold property ‘Cornerstone’. The Guild of Weavers

Mary Pugsley MBE said: “It’s been a challenging journey throughout the Pandemic to where we are today, so it was important to celebrate this momentous milestone with those who have helped us during such difficult times.  We simply couldn’t have done it without the support and generosity of so many including IWFS.”

Nicky Baker, the first ever female master in IWFS’s 550-year history, was sadly unable to attend in person on the day of the official opening because of Covid.  She was represented by Andrew Maynard, The Clerk – Tuckers Hall.

Guest speaker Wendy Ohlson – Head Teacher virtual schools for Devon County Council said: “The provision offered by the excellent team has been nothing short of a life saver for some of our young people.”

Cath Kidman Relationships Manager VTCT & Itec concludes: “It was such an honour to be part of the launch of HAIR AT THE ACADEMY’s wonderful new salon and to salute the amazing work of Mary Pugsley, MBE and her colleagues and the fantastic achievement of their learners.”

www.hairattheacademy.co.uk/

Read all about it:

Exeter Living

Express & Echo

Exeter Magazine

Grow Magazine