Devon Hair Training Salon Supporting Vulnerable Youth Marks Two Decades

A hair training salon located in Devon, established with the mission of assisting vulnerable young individuals, is commemorating its two-decade milestone. This institution, named Hair At The Academy and situated in Exeter, provides assistance to students facing diverse life challenges, such as homelessness, disabilities, and involvement with the care system. The academy, which receives funding from Devon County Council and delivers programs in areas like hair and beauty, stated that it is the “only one of its kind” across the UK. According to founder Mary Pugsley, the academy collaborates with both a social worker and a counsellor to extend support to its students. She explained, “We pull them back in with all of the support that they need to get them through their learning qualifications.” Tyler Gray, who currently serves as a manager at the training salon, enrolled at the academy when he was 15 years old, following his expulsion from school. He reported discovering his sense of purpose subsequent to his referral to the academy. Gray recounted, “I sort of walked around with my head on the floor.” He added, “I lacked a lot of confidence. I didn’t really have a purpose.”