Skullen Studios, a vibrant salon in Heaton, is proving that beauty businesses can be about much more than nails – they can be safe and trusted space for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Forward thinking salon team Nicole and Lucy are on a mission to support victims and survivors in their local community by completing specialist training and rolling out a range of initiatives aimed at helping others.

Their first step was completing specialist domestic abuse awareness training – a proactive step praised by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Susan Dungworth, who hopes others will follow suit.

Their training was delivered by Newcastle City Council and has given them greater confidence to identify warning signs, respond appropriately to disclosures and direct people towards specialist support.

The salon is also in the process of working with technology company Styler to introduce a new support booking system to help clients who may be experiencing abuse. It will provide a discreet way for clients to indicate they may need help or support when making a booking. The initiative has been likened to the widely recognised Ask for Angela scheme used in bars and night-time venues.

Recognising the unique position beauticians are in to support victims and signpost them to help, Skullen Studios owner, Nicole said the decision to evolve the business in this way felt like a natural extension of what they already do every day. She hopes hearing about what they’re doing will inspire other businesses to follow in their footsteps with training and offering a safe space.

She 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 work has been praised by the Police and Crime Commissioner, whose office has been rolling a Domestic Abuse Summer of Action engagement campaign raising awareness and supplying salons and beauty businesses across the region with information cards that can be handed to anyone who may be worried about domestic abuse. The OPCC is also launching its first ‘Care in the Chair Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising’ webinar sessions suitable for anyone from the hair and beauty industry.

Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth, said: “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.”

Domestic abuse has a huge impact on everyone, including family members or friends. Findaway is a dedicated support service for family & friends worried about someone else’s relationship.

Findaway Project Coordinator at Wearside Women In Need, Ciara Barrett-Smith said: “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.”

ENDS

For further information:

VAWG Training and Resources – Northumbria PCC

email: enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

Webinar dates for Care in the Chair Domestic Abuse Training:

–            Monday 28th September, 10am

–            Monday 26th October, 10am