ADDITIONAL needs students were recently treated to a free pampering session.

As part of her Graded Unit at Ayrshire College, HNC Working and Communites student Susan Welsh organised the event to empower a group of people and promote equality.

The 47-year-old from Irvine provided nail painting, healthy smoothies and more to additional support needs students at the college’s HIVE (Hope, Inspiration and Vision in Education) facility.

Susan has been on a placement at the HIVE, a bespoke learning service that aims to develop motivation and self-confidence, and the students she’s been working with were more than happy to help.

Susan said: “It’s been fantastic to see young people at Ayrshire College caring for people with additional support needs. The workshop couldn’t have gone any better from my perspective – everyone had a great time. The event is all about encouraging everyone to have a healthy lifestyle. I love healthy eating and I’m a beauty therapist to trade, so this is what I’m all about.”

Declan McGregor, 18, who helped Susan, added: “Our course has just finished but we decided to help Susan out because she’s helped us out so much over the year.

Irvine Times:

“I’ve been giving facials all morning. I’ve no experience of this but Susan showed me how to do it. Looking after yourself is so important and I’ve learnt a lot through this event, like how facials can benefit you.

“Helping and communicating with people who have additional support needs has also been a great experience. You get a tremendous feeling when you see a smile on someone’s face and you know you’re making them happy.”

Communities lecturer Sharon McNamara said: “Susan has taken her skills and produced some amazing work. This is further evidence that this course can really empower people. It’s also been great to see the HIVE group helping to support people in the community.

“Susan started with little confidence and now she’s been accepted onto the second year of the Community Development course at the University of Glasgow. She’s a star.”