SERC Beauty Hairdressing and Barbering students welcome RNIB for educational experience

SERC Bangor campus students from Level 3 NVQ Beauty Therapy, Level 3 NVQ Nail Services, Level 3 NVQ Hairdressing, and Level 3 NVQ Barbering recently welcomed the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) for an educational talk on how to treat blind and partially sighted clients in their different course areas.

First, the students went through a ‘virtual reality’ experience by using headsets, bringing to life the day-to-day realities of those who experience different eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. The students were then advised on how to amend their practices to ensure clients facing these conditions receive the appropriate treatment for their needs.

Following the visit, the students were delighted to use their newly acquired knowledge to invite a group of fifteen clients from the RNIB to the campus. The guests enjoyed an afternoon of pampering, each relaxing with three complimentary treatments of their choice, performed by the students in the Shadeka Beauty and Hairdressing Salon.

SERC lecturer Lynn Hamil-Fitzpatrick said: “SERC Bangor campus students from Beauty Therapy, Nail Services, Hairdressing and Barbering were delighted with a visit from the RNIB, which allowed them to experience a realistic insight into the difficulties faced by those affected by sight loss. The students gained a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively treat clients with various eye conditions in their respective course areas and were thrilled to invite a small group of clients from the organisation for hair and beauty treatments at the college’s Shadeka facilities.”

Lynn continued: “The RNIB has been coming to the Bangor campus for many years now, and it is such a beneficial learning experience for the students, as well as a great treat for RNIB clients. I would like to personally thank the RNIB for providing this opportunity to strengthen the transversal skills of our students, and a huge well done to all staff and students involved in the event."

Olive Rodgers, Community Access Worker, RNIB commented: “On behalf of the RNIB, I was delighted to support a group of fifteen blind and partially sighted individuals at a taster event at SERC Bangor. Our clients were treated to hair and beauty treatments, which was a fantastic opportunity for the students in Beauty, Nail Services, Hairdressing and Barbering to put into practice some of what they learnt during the sight awareness session. In pre-covid times, I worked with the hair and beauty department in raising awareness of sight loss,and it was great to be able to rekindle this working relationship.”

Well done to all staff and students involved.

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