Blackburn College supports Commissioner's campaign to #NailDomesticAbuse

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw has visited Blackburn College to meet students and staff supporting his county-wide #NailDomesticAbuse campaign. The initiative offers training for hair, nail, beauty and wellness professionals to help them spot the signs of domestic abuse.

All hair and beauty students at the College have been encouraged to complete the training, which includes videos filmed in real salon settings, information on different types of domestic abuse, and advice on how to safely support anyone who may be affected.

Over 1,900 professionals have already registered for the training since the campaign launch, showing both the need and the willingness to offer support from those working in the industry.

The Commissioner met with tutors and students to hear how the training is already making a difference, and to talk to them about the important part they are playing in raising awareness of domestic abuse. Students also heard from the Wish Centre who are funded by the Commissioner’s Office to provide specialist support to victims of domestic abuse in Blackburn with Darwen.

Speaking at Blackburn College, Commissioner Grunshaw said: “Hair and beauty professionals build close, trusted relationships with their clients, putting them in a unique position to notice when something isn’t quite right.

“The #NailDomesticAbuse campaign is a fantastic tool to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to ensure that those working in this industry can direct their clients towards available support safely and confidently.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire, and with International Women’s Day fast approaching, today is a perfect opportunity to highlight the campaign and to thank the College for their support in making it a success.”

Chantelle Kinney, Lecturer in Beauty and Related Therapies at Blackburn College added: “We are proud to support the #NailDomesticAbuse campaign to help raise awareness of domestic abuse and equip our students with skills that will help them support their future clients.

“It’s been a great opportunity for our students to meet Commissioner Grunshaw, to learn more about the impact of domestic abuse and how putting the training into practice could be life changing for someone who needs support.”

Jess Brown-Cooper who studies Level 1 Beauty at the College, said: “The #NailDomesticAbuse training has given me a much better understanding of domestic abuse. I feel more confident to pick up on the signs and to let people know where they can turn to for help.

“I want to have trusted relationships with my clients and thanks to this campaign I now have additional skills to use in my future career.”

Shigufta Khan, CEO at the Wish Centre added: “It’s been a pleasure to support the event at Blackburn College today and tell the students more about our service.

“Raising awareness of domestic abuse and the support we can offer is so important. We are really pleased to back this campaign by working with the Commissioner and the College and by engaging with local salons.”

Lancashire hair and beauty businesses can sign up for the free training and request materials for their salon at naildomesticabuse.co.uk.