Goldthorpe Salvation Army is cut above the rest with health and wellbeing sessions

People are being encouraged to look after their health and wellbeing with a drop-in at Goldthorpe Salvation Army which offers haircuts, manicures, pedicures, mini spa treatments and signposting to health professionals. 

With the aim of improving the community’s mental and physical health, Wellbeing Wednesday hosts a different service each week - including mini manicures and pedicures, dry trims, and the opportunity to learn more about health and wellbeing from social prescribing services. 

At a special taster session at the church and charity in Straight Lane earlier this month, more than 35 people attended to see what would be on offer over the coming weeks. 

Jackie Kenning, Community Programme Co-ordinator at Goldthorpe Salvation Army, which is led by Territorial Envoy Alison Sykes, said: “Our Wellbeing Wednesday sessions are aimed at making people feel better, encouraging healthy lifestyles and helping them access important information.  

“A haircut is a basic and essential thing, but people are telling us that they haven’t got the money to do it, so we can provide that service for them. We had one lady who was sofa surfing with two children bring her son to have his trimmed for school, and we’ve encouraged her to come back and have her own done.

“When we go to hairdressers, we feel a million times better, it gives us a sense of dignity. We’ve noticed people leave here feeling like they're walking on air.” 

Haircuts were provided by Katies Hairdressing, mini facials and manicures by Beauty By Shel and pedicures by Joanne Crossley. 

The Wellbeing Wednesday taster session also provided vital signposting for issues such as a damp and mould, which many people in insecure housing are faced with, but may be unsure that there is help available to deal with it. 

Guests were also provided with a healthy lunch of chicken, new potatoes and couscous while fruit and cereal was available to take home.

One mum-of-two, who had a manicure and mini facial, said: “It’s all a new experience for me and it’s made me feel loads better in myself. I’m a mum of two kids so I don’t get much time to myself and I don’t get out of the house very much so it’s made a big difference. Alison and Jackie are amazing here, they really have supported me.”  

Another mum, who was there with her five-month-old baby, was having her feet cared for. She said: “It's relaxing for me. I think self-care is very important so this has been really refreshing and therapeutic, I’m going to go out here feeling a lot better.” 

Another who had had her hair trimmed added: “I feel refreshed, brilliant. I think it's such a good idea, especially for people who are struggling or are homeless. It’s really important they can have this.” 

Information was also being provided by the social prescribing team and Live Well Barnsley, Grassroots Sports who help link people with organisations across the Dearne Valley to improve their environment and wellbeing. 

Supported by Barnsley Council, Wellbeing Wednesday takes place each Wednesday between 10am and 2pm at Goldthorpe Salvation Army in Church Lane. 

Find out more about Goldthorpe Salvation Army here or search for them on Facebook