The North East Beauty Awards raised funds for a community hub in County Durham that supports children struggling in mainstream education.
Empowher, a community impact company based in Belmont, offers cosmetology courses to children who, for a variety of reasons, are facing difficulties in mainstream education.
The company, run by director Louise Forrest, also offers courses for victims of domestic violence, helping women “take back control of their lives and start anew”.
Last month, Empower was named ‘Charity of Choice’ at the North East Hair and Beauty Awards, run by organizers Daniel Walling and Steph Worrall.
The popular event raised £645 for the hub, which Louise said would make a “huge difference” to Empower and help staff keep “giving their all”.
Empowher is based in Durham (Image: EMPOWHER)
“We started Empower in 2022 as a place for girls who didn’t fit into mainstream schools,” Louise told the Northern Echo this week.
“They study other subjects rather than what is normally taught in school and graduate with a Level 1 Beauty and Cosmetology qualification.
Empower Director Louise Forrest (Image: EMPOWHER)
“The funds[raised by the North East Hair and Beauty Awards]will help us get better learning materials and help us run more courses for victims of domestic violence.”
Originally from Durham, Louise also runs Beauty & Aesthetics Training NE, which she set up in Stanley before moving the company to Durham city center in 2018.
Once Empower students reach the age of 16, Louise directs them to Beauty & Aesthetics Training NE, offering everything from eyebrow courses to aesthetics training.
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She added: “They come to me from the age of 13 and stay with me until they reach adulthood.”
Louise, who also runs Eden Alternative Education in Hartlepool with Joe Fitzgerald and Lindsay Hardy, was presented with the Beauty Award check last week.
The event was held at Rainton Manor on September 7th and Louise was also a judge.
