We are delighted to announce that Mirror Image Community Training Ltd has been awarded £1000 through our Helping Hands fund.

This vital funding will support the continuation of their free weekly wellbeing and hair & beauty sessions for young people aged 10–18 (and up to 25 with SEND) in the Grangeway area of Runcorn.

Held in a local hair and beauty training salon, these sessions provide a safe, welcoming space for young people to build practical skills, boost their confidence, and access mental health support. The Monday wellbeing sessions include activities such as stress and anxiety management, arts and crafts, confidence-building exercises, and healthy eating awareness. On Wednesdays, young people take part in hands-on hairdressing, nail art, and makeup workshops using professional tools and techniques.

Thanks to the Helping Hands funding, Mirror Image can now cover the cost of essential supplies such as hairdressing mannequins, nail art kits, arts and crafts materials, and diamond art sets. Importantly, the funding also ensures that every participant receives free snacks and drinks at each session—something the organisation sees as a necessity, not a luxury.

Georgina Crank, Social Impact and Engagement Officer, shared:

"We’re proud to support Mirror Image Community Training through the Helping Hands fund. Their work is making a real difference to young people in Halton, offering not just skills and support, but also a sense of belonging and care. This funding will help them continue to provide a safe, creative space for young people to thrive."

Thriving Communities is one of the 5 key themes in our 3-year corporate plan ‘Our Future Focus: 2025 - 28’ and supporting initiatives like this help us achieve our purpose of Improving People’s Lives.

If you or someone you know is running a community project that could benefit from Helping Hands support, whether it’s a youth club, a community garden, or a wellbeing initiative, we’d love to hear from you. Visit the Helping Hands website page Helping Hands | Halton Housing.