Young people are receiving 'a shot at their dream job' thanks to a new link up between North Ayrshire Council and a hairdressing salon which is proving to be a 'cut above' the rest.
Council employment staff are working with the Haus Of Seisay charity to give eight care-experienced young people from across North Ayrshire an opportunity to learn hairdressing skills through an eight-week project.
This has seen the group, who are not currently engaged in employment, explore subjects including mental health and well-being, and employability skills through workshops.
Thomas Seisay and his husband Tony adopted two children, so they have first hand knowledge of social work and the care system.
It was their own personal involvement that led them to recently launching the charity, which has a hairdressing academy designed especially for care-experienced young people.
This will lead to a hairdressing qualification and important customer service and admin experience.
The teens enjoyed three weeks of work experience at Tony Robertson Hair Spa in Kilwinning before moving on to the academy in Renfrewshire, where there is a chance to progress further in the industry.
Thomas said: “Having two adopted children gave Tony and I an insight into the care system. We want young people to learn skills, get out there and earn their own money to be independent.
“They are learning lots and it has been good fun. They certainly keep me on my toes.
“Our aim is to remove the stigma and barriers that young care-experienced people face.”
Rhylee Danton, 15, said she struggled to focus at school and college and felt “trapped in the system” but is enjoying the course and said it has already made her more confident.
“I am more confident and feel creative," she said. "It has already made me a better person, and I would love to be a hairdresser."
Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for economy and climate change, said: "This pilot with Haus Of Seisay is a fantastic example of how community partners working together can make a genuine and lasting difference to young people’s lives. Congratulations to all of those involved.”
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