Reading College hosts a pamper evening for NHS staff

Hairdressing and beauty therapy students from Reading College took part in a pamper evening on Tuesday 8 March to thank some of our local NHS keyworkers for all their hard work during the pandemic. 

The students welcomed 25 NHS community workers from Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust into The Salon at the college on King’s Road.

The NHS keyworkers were offered the choice of a manicure, pedicure, hair conditioning treatment and style or a neck, back and shoulders massage. Many keyworkers had more than one treatment.

Refreshments were on-hand, prepared by some of our students studying professional cookery.

Every keyworker was given a goody bag as a further thank you and a treat for them to take home, filled with product samples, sweets, a business card for The Salon and The Kitchen at Reading College and coupons for other businesses. The goody bags were made and supplied by Helen Jacklin, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at Berkshire Healthcare, who contacted local beauty stores asking for contributions.

The event was initiated by Helen Jacklin, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at Berkshire Healthcare, who as the wellbeing lead for the community team, organises craft evenings and other social events. She contacted the college after it was suggested by a member of her team to organise a pamper evening to say thank you to all their staff for all their work in challenging circumstances during the pandemic.

It also provided an opportunity for the students to gain some valuable experience performing treatments with members of the public, which was unable to take place during the lockdown periods during the pandemic. 

Ashley is studying a Beauty Therapy Level 3 Extended Diploma at Reading College. 

She said: “I was very happy to take part in this event, as it is very nice to give back and say thank you to our NHS keyworkers. 

“As both my aunt and cousin work for the NHS, I know how stressful it has been during the pandemic, so it is very nice to be able to say a massive thank you to them.” 

Lorraine Carey, Beauty Therapy Lecturer at Activate Learning, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to be able to use their skills to offer some well-deserved pampering to our amazing NHS workers.”  

Helen Jacklin, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was really nice way to say thank you to our staff who have worked all the way through the pandemic and continued to do face-to-face care, so that we can support our mums and babies to make sure that everyone was okay. 

“It was really nice to be able to give the students some experience. The event went well, everyone enjoyed it and appreciated that it was arranged.  

“We had quite a high turnout with three quarters of our team attending, ranging from the most senior manager to nursery nurses and health visitors.” 

Our Hair and Beauty Salons are pure pampering, with in-depth consultations by highly experienced stylists, indulgent head massages and complimentary refreshments on offer to ensure you leave our salons looking and feeling fantastic. We offer a complete service at our commercial, graduate salon. This includes a full consultation prior to your required hairdressing service. We only use Wella SP styling products, shampoos, conditioners and colours. We also offer specialised hair treatments for various hair and scalp conditions. 

Whether you want a complete makeover, a new hairstyle or just to feel refreshed and pampered, we would love to help you! Visit us and enjoy leading stylist expertise and a range of premium quality beauty treatments at great prices. You can buy gift vouchers for family and friends to exchange for treatments or products.