Beauty salon creates safe space for women

A Newcastle beauty salon is turning everyday appointments into an opportunity to provide discreet support for people experiencing domestic abuse.

Heaton-based Skullen Studios has introduced a series of measures aimed at making the salon a safe and trusted space for clients who may need help.

Owner Nicole Gutierrez-Lock and colleague Lucy Walton have completed specialist domestic abuse awareness training delivered by Newcastle City Council, helping them recognise potential warning signs, respond appropriately to disclosures and direct clients towards professional support.

Nicole said: “Anyone who works in this industry knows we’re often much more than nail technicians. 

“We spend hours with our clients. 

“We hear it all, and people confide in us about all sorts – their relationships and the challenges they’re facing. 

“Sometimes we joke that we’re unpaid therapists.

“The relationships we build are really special because we’re close enough for people to open up, but we’re separate from their family and friendship circles. 

“That can make it easier for someone to talk honestly.

“We’ve had clients share things with us in the past and we’ve had moments where we’ve felt concerned about someone. 

“The training has given us confidence that if those situations arise, we’ll be better equipped to respond and help someone access support. 

“If sharing our experience encourages even one more salon to get involved, that would be a huge success.”

The salon is also working with technology company Styler on a discreet booking system that would allow clients to indicate when making an appointment that they may need support.

The initiative has been likened to Ask for Angela, the scheme widely used in bars and night-time venues to help people discreetly signal that they feel unsafe.

Ciara Barrett-Smith, Findaway project coordinator at Wearside Women In Need, added: “We can all play a role in supporting those affected by domestic abuse – and for many, the first point of call is someone they trust, and that could be a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour or as Nicole and Lucy have recognised, it could even be a nail artist, hairdresser or stylist.

“Studios and salons are in a unique position, providing a space where people feel safe to speak about their lives. 

“That’s why it’s fantastic to see businesses like Skullen Studios leading the way in equipping their staff with the knowledge and skills to respond safely and effectively to domestic abuse.

“If you’re worried about someone you know, you can call Findaway's confidential phoneline or visit our website for support. 

“We can help you understand what’s happening, explore your concerns, and help you find a way to support them.

“Together we can break the silence around domestic abuse and ensure all survivors get a helpful response from their community. 

“No matter who you are, you can make a difference.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has praised the salon’s approach as her office continues a Domestic Abuse Summer of Action campaign.

As part of the campaign, salons and beauty businesses across the region are being provided with information cards they can give to people who may be concerned about domestic abuse.

The commissioner’s office is also launching Care in the Chair domestic abuse awareness webinars specifically for people working in the hair and beauty sector.

The initiatives recognise the trusted relationships hairdressers and beauticians can develop with clients and the opportunity this creates to identify concerns and signpost people towards specialist help.

Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth added: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. 

“Victims don’t just come into contact with support services. 

“They interact every day with others they grow to trust, informally, perhaps when they get their hair cut or grab a manicure or nail art. 

“These people can play an important role in helping someone get the support they need.

“It’s fantastic to see Skullen Studios taking such a proactive approach and using its trusted relationships with clients to help raise awareness and create a safe environment.

“Ensuring we are doing all we can to make sure victims can access support is a priority for me and we commission a wide range of services to ensure people can access the help that is right for them. 

“Anyone looking for support can find details through our Victims’ Directory and more information about our new training for those working in the hair and beauty industry can be found on my website.”

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