A Step Forward: Celebrating Silent Cuts’ First Training Group

A Step Forward: Celebrating Silent Cuts’ First Training Group

The first group of trainees at Silent Cuts have now completed the salon’s new training and work experience programme — and there is a real sense of pride in all they have achieved.

Over the past few months, the group have been learning new skills, building friendships and growing in confidence in the calm and supportive environment of the Downpatrick salon. From preparing workstations and learning daily routines to practising hair care skills and becoming part of the team, each person has been encouraged to learn at their own pace and try new things in a way that felt comfortable for them.

The programme was created to give adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults the chance to develop practical skills, confidence and independence in a setting built around support and understanding. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Awards for All programme, participants have been able to gain hands-on experience while discovering their strengths along the way.

For one trainee, Jenna, the experience has already led to an exciting next step, with an offer of work experience in the salon.

But at the heart of it all are the people themselves. From proud moments for Adam, Damien, Jenna, Patrick, Donna and Darragh, to new friendships, favourite salon tasks, and hopes for the future, the programme has created meaningful experiences for everyone involved. Adam and Damien share what this experience has meant to them.

Jenna shared how much she enjoyed learning new salon skills and how the experience has inspired her future goals:

“I learnt how to wash, dry and straighten hair, including how to put your fingers into the scalp properly and lift the hair to give it volume. I would like to continue learning more about hairdressing through my work experience, and I hope to get voluntary or paid work in a hair salon in the future.”

Adam described how the programme helped him build new skills:

“I learnt how to wash hair properly and the importance of washing it twice to get it really clean. I also learned how to use both hands when blow-drying — one to hold the hair dryer and the other to section the hair. It was a really good experience, and I learned lots of new things.”

Damien shared how much the experience helped him feel more confident in the salon:

‘I really enjoyed washing and blow-drying hair, as well as putting hair in rollers. Olwyn helped me feel comfortable in the salon, showed me what to do, and explained everything step by step, which made a big difference. In the future, I would like to have a job preparing food in the catering industry’.

The success of this first training group is a wonderful reflection of what can be achieved when people are given the right support, encouragement and opportunity. Throughout their time at Silent Cuts, participants have developed practical skills, increased their confidence and gained valuable experience that can be carried into a wide range of future job opportunities.

From teamwork and communication to following routines and learning new tasks, the programme has helped each person build skills that can support greater independence and future employment. While their time at the salon may have come to an end, the experience has opened new possibilities for the future, and their achievements are something everyone involved can be proud of.