POSTED: 5/08/2024
At Great Places, we take pride in supporting initiatives that make a real difference in our communities. One such initiative is the Pop-Up Spa & Holistic Therapy course, offered by Flourish Together. This course, designed for women interested in a career in the wellbeing sector, has been a game-changer for many. Hosted at The Welcome, a community café and support centre that we work in partnership with, the course has seen remarkable success.
Flourish Together is known for its tailored support for women developing social ventures. They work across different communities, providing practical training, mentorship, and advice. Their Pop-Up Spa & Holistic Therapy course is no exception, offering an accredited 12-week program where participants learn skills such as facials, manicures, pedicures, and Indian head massages.
Kirstie, one of the students, shared her enthusiasm: “I think it’s an amazing opportunity. The tutors have offered a 12-week course. I’ve always been interested in beauty but never had the resources for an actual course. It was chilled, interesting, and adapted to us and our time. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the moment with the kids, work, etc., but this course has always been adapted to our needs.”
The Beauty Course was well attended and well received. The students were taught a range of beauty treatments including Indian Head Massage and Manicures/Pedicures and were able to practice on models each week. On completion of the course, certificates were presented. The students formed strong bonds throughout the duration of the course, and some have even discussed renting premises together to run their own beauty businesses from. “Great Places offer some really good courses and activities from The Welcome for both children and adults, with a focus on upskilling members of the community or addressing mental health and wellbeing. It is a great offering for people living in Knutsford and is obviously making a big difference in people’s lives,” said the Assistant Manager at The Welcome, Lucy Page.
The course isn’t just about learning beauty treatments; it’s about building confidence, making contacts, and understanding the logistics of running a business. Participants gain skills to treat customers professionally and get hands-on experience with the materials and products needed in a beauty business. Best of all, the course was completely free for students, fully funded by the Great Places Resilience Fund.
The Welcome played a crucial role in the success of this project, offering space for the course to happen. The impact has been significant, with over 45 women benefiting from the project. More than 30 people accessed free or affordable holistic therapies and natural beauty treatments, while 14 women enrolled in the course. The café at The Welcome also saw increased footfall and purchases, benefiting from the additional activity.
One of the participants reflected on the experience: “I have had lots of highlights throughout the course. It has been a fantastic experience, learning new skills and watching our team grow with experience and confidence. The knowledge I’ve gained has been amazing. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect and cannot wait to further develop my own skills.”
The Pop-Up Spa & Holistic Therapy course is a shining example of how community support and targeted initiatives can empower individuals. By providing women with the tools and knowledge they need, Flourish Together helps them overcome setbacks, explore new skills, and find routes into work, all while boosting their wellbeing.
Great Places is proud to support such transformative projects. We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to flourish together.
