Droylsden salon a cut above the rest

A salon in Droylsden offering free haircuts to local pensioners has received an award in recognition for its quality service.

Community Cutz received Action Together’s Quality in Action (QiA) Award, after working with the charity’s development officers to meet the criteria for the accolade.

Organisations which achieve the award can now also use Tameside Council’s newly launched Safeguarding Charter Mark.

Local businessman Wayne Coyle set up Community Cutz to bring young and old together in the local community. 

He said: “Originally I applied for the award to make sure all our documents are updated and are relevant for the people we’re supporting.”

Action Together’s development team have been really supportive throughout the process, helping Community Cutz to update and write new policies.

They can now apply for other funding opportunities to continue delivering sessions, knowing their organisational information and safeguarding policies are accurate.

On alternate Wednesdays, Community Cutz’ young trainee hairdressers provide free hair styling to local pensioners. For many of the older people who attend, the salon is the only time they get out of the house. A real sense of family has developed amongst the stylists and their regulars throughout these sessions.

Wayne added: “Our volunteers are over the moon to achieve this and we have driven them enthusiastically forward. I would recommend every community group in Tameside to work with Action Together for the Quality in Action Award. They helped us raise the profile of the projects we’re running and build partnerships across Tameside. We’re really pleased to achieve the award and are proud to be working with the charity.”

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council executive member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, said: “Through achieving this award Community Cutz can now also use our Safeguarding Charter Mark. This is the locally recognised quality mark for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. I encourage interested groups to get in touch and find out how they can work towards the accreditation.”

Anyone who would like to find out more on the Quality in Action Award should contact Action Together on 0161 339 2345 or development@actiontogether.org.uk.

To find out more about the safeguarding charter mark, contact the council's adult services team on protectadult@tameside.gov.uk.