John Kelly (Waterford)Co.Waterford, Waterford Business Park, X91 CC83 Waterford
Opel Ireland has proudly presented a new Vivaro van to Hair Together, an award-winning social enterprise that is actively tackling unemployment, mental health challenges and social exclusion in Ballymun and North Dublin.
Founded by CEO, Eileen McHugh, Hair Together delivers programmes to schools and young people from Ballymun, creating positive opportunities through hairstyling, barbering, and personal development. The initiative also works with young people and women from across North Dublin who may have faced additional barriers such as addiction, involvement with the justice system, or other difficult life experiences.
The new van, provided by Opel, will be used for six months to support the initiative as it prepares to open its new, permanent premises in the heart of Ballymun.
Having had first-hand experience of drug addiction in her youth, inspirational Eileen has since carved out an international career in hair design that has taken her to the catwalks of Paris, Copenhagen and Milan. Eileen kept a promise to herself to set up a programme to provide real skills, supports and options for the more vulnerable in her community and thus Hair Together was born. To date more than 250 people have benefitted from the unique programme.
Eileen explains: “Since its inception, Hair Together has empowered hundreds of young people from Ballymun, and women who have experienced prison. By offering hairstyling, barbering, and personal development training, the initiative equips them with the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful educational and employment opportunities.”
With the proven success and fast-paced growth of the Hair Together programme, it quickly became clear that the enterprise needed a permanent home, having operated out of temporary headquarters for some time. A premises on Ballymun Main Street has been secured, that will be transformed this year into a permanent salon and personal development centre, copper fastening Hair Together future as a self-funding social enterprise and a centre of excellence. The world’s first trading-for-impact salon and academy will open this September.
The new van was delivered by Opel as the initiative celebrates five years and edges ever-nearer to launching the new home for Hair Together.
Eileen said: “I am beyond grateful for the use of the Opel Vivaro workhorse, which will assist us greatly every day in our busy lives. From supply pick-ups, to dropping off equipment for our new corporate events, it will make our lives much easier.”
Supported by Rethink Ireland and philanthropic donations, Eileen and her team are currently marketing a new corporate service for companies seeking team building activities through hairstyling fun. Already booked by AIB, Deloitte and leading motor distributor, Gowan Auto, companies who wish to support the initiative can find out more by contacting info@hairtogether.ie.