Girls youth session

strawbsuk76

Hi Im not sure if this is the right place but im sure someone will move it if not.

I currently run a volunteer youth group and was recently approach by the community police officer to try and tackle the problem of underage drinking/sex and drugs.
We have set up an eight month project on a friday evening working with 30 young girls aged between 13-18 the project has been very successful so far but i need some ideas.
we currently have an 8 week project on health/beauty and personl hygiene. we have a hair dresser that is willing to come and do a few sessions around hair and we thought about skin care. anyone have any ideas where i may get free samples from or am i just better emailing random companies and seeing what happens? we are looking fr samples or information booklets or even just some ideas for sessions that wouldnt cost the earth. the girls suggested a pamper party but that was £35 per girl and me being a strict money saver felt that was very unethical lol.
any help would be appreciated
thanks
strawbs x

MrsTinks

Well I would suggest maybe writing to the PR departments of places like Avon and Virgins costmetic thing they have going. Go to the PR side of things and as high as you can. Explain you are trying to prevent these girls "going off the rails" etc - If the companies think they can turn it into a PR exercise then they might be happier to help. And bearing in mind the recent publicity about "hug a hoodie" then they may wish to be seen "doing their bit"

trudie15

Hi,

I am a full time youth worker and understand your frustration about resources!!! Have you tried asking the police (they have asked you to do this work and it is repsonding to a local need and the police usually have plenty of crime and disorder funding) for some funding or the local town/community council? Or as a long shot the statutory youth service.

From experience local businesses are always happy to help for a bit of free publicity in a press release. But maybe companies lie Virgin Vie might be worth a quick e mail.

Just a thought.

LifeisEvenbetter

Could you also try your local beauticians - they might agree to come and do a session on looking after your nails/skin etc. I am sure the girls would love mini manicures/pedicures etc

Local beauty course lecturers might be able to help too - would be worth contacting your local college.

Regarding free samples, if I were you I would pop into as many of your local Department stores that have beauty counters. These counters always have free samples to try, so worth asking. Boots and Superdrug might have samples of products too. Just remember to check that none of the girls have any allergies to the ingredients.

Also, you might want to contact LUSH or the bodyshop - both do pamper parties. Not sure on the price, though.

Best wishes with your Youth group - what you are doing sounds really worth while.

Sharra

You could try contacting your local council - they may be aware of money you can apply for. If it comes from the young people - I know Kent County Council administer the Youth Opportunities Fund, and I'm sure it must be availabe in other areas too.
Also - what about using natural product - things like porridge oats/ olive oil/cucumber etc - there's loads of recipes around on the net - if they make their own beauty products it may well get them even more interested.

LJM

you dont get anything unless you ask they tend to neglect to tell you they do have funds available if needed,what bout cookery session/competitons

MrsTinks

Have to say I like the idea of trying natural beauty treatments (oats/cucumber/etc) - that would be OS as well as MSE... And maybe teach the girls they don't need to spend lots of dush on their daily beauty regime They can treat themselves to a honey and crushed oats mask with possibly some diluted essential oils...

Louiseuk25

LifeisEvenbetter wrote:

Also, you might want to contact LUSH or the bodyshop - both do pamper parties. Not sure on the price, though.

http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk

select 'party with the body shop at home' for more info
I'm sure when I arranged it for a Guide unit we didn't have to pay but the girls did bring money along to buy products at the end. One of them got a free make over too.

Louiseuk25

tine wrote:

Have to say I like the idea of trying natural beauty treatments (oats/cucumber/etc) - that would be OS as well as MSE... And maybe teach the girls they don't need to spend lots of dush on their daily beauty regime They can treat themselves to a honey and crushed oats mask with possibly some diluted essential oils...

Yes much more mse! http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com seems to have lots of recipes. Might try some myself!

pinky_pink_2

hi i'm also a full time youth worker, you could possibly link to the local college and arrange a visit/sample day in the "beauty therapy" section.

or you may prefare to undertake a more long standing holistic approach including

• body image
• media and women
• self confidence and self esteem
• health and fitness
• healthy eating
• local accessible provion (visit a local youth gym if you have one)
• culture and women
• PCT health services ( often have a confidential young peoples team dedicated to working through sexual health isssues, a team that wil come out to your group. providing information about self respect, relatioships, contrception, services etc.. FREE of charge)
• plus much more

i did a 12/18month project along sim lines and recieved £7,000 to undertake the project. heres a link for funding if you fall out of their catchment area ask them if they have an office covering your area.

http://www.communityfoundation.co.uk/

Katgoddess

I work in a Children's Centre and we hire a local beautician to do eyebrows and nails etc for mums in baby group. She charges £40 for 2 hours. We also have a hair braider and a henna tattoo artist come in as well.