New looks pave way for friendships

A make-over session organised by a charity that supports young people in the Newark area helped members of the travelling community make new friends.

Unique Coffee Bar, on Manners Road, Newark, opened up a make-over and fashion shoot to all the young people involved in the project, with ten girls taking up the offer.

Members of both the travelling and settled communities took part.

The event was designed to be a confidence-building experience to boost young people’s self esteem.

A development worker at the Unique Coffee Bar, Hollie Cook, said: “The day was an overwhelming success.

“It gave the young people an opportunity to be pampered and have their photograph taken, which they may not have otherwise been able to.

“The day started out with different groups of girls not interacting with each other, keeping themselves to themselves.

“But by the end of the day, they were all enjoying the experience together.

“This has enabled the young people involved to make new friends and break down barriers between two communities that might not normally interact with each other.”

The girls were photographed before and after their make-overs by a hair and make-up artist and stylist.

Professional photographer Mr John Knight, of Art Deco Studios, Farnsfield, took the pictures, which were given to the girls free as a memento of the day.

The company provided its services free for the day.

Mr Knight said: “Our aim was to set up a studio environment, giving the young people a full make-over treatment and photo shoot using the personal touch of a skilled hair and make-up artist and a fashion wardrobe with outfits which they see in magazines and videos.

“Our stylist coached them, showing them how to look their best and bring out their personality.

“We offered guidance and styling ideas, but ultimately the choice of make-up and costume was theirs.”

Unique Coffee Bar is an independent youth drop-in centre offering a range of accredited education courses for young people.