Tameside College students headed to a local hospital to deliver a first mobile salon for patients. 

Hair and beauty students from the Ashton-based college visited Tameside Hospital to provide patients with a complimentary haircut and hot drink. 

The mobile salon, which was organised by the college and Tameside and Glossop NHS Foundation Trust, is the first of its kind in the area. 

The event took place in the hospital’s Stamford Unit, which cares for patients undergoing rehabilitation therapies, palliative care and other complex therapies. 

Students were able to gain experience in customer service and cutting techniques whilst providing a vital service to those who may not be able to get a haircut in the community. 

Julie Yarwood, course leader at Tameside College, added: “It’s great for our students to get practical experience throughout their course and the additional benefit of this partnership means that patients who potentially haven’t had a haircut for a while can enjoy a complimentary trim. They were very professional and did a great job of making patients feel more like themselves. Well done.” 

The college regularly partners with Tameside Hospital and other local organisations to organise work experience placements, community events and charity fundraisers. 

Anthony Makepeace, head of nursing in adult services at Tameside Hospital, is hoping to organise more sessions in the future after the success of the event.

He said: “This exciting collaboration came about through a recent discussion with Tameside College and both organisations could see the benefits of this arrangement. The atmosphere in the Stamford Unit was great as many of our patients took up the offer of a free haircut. I look forward to working with our local college on more collaborations like this.” 

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