Hair in the Academy holds a high-profile event to mark its 20th anniversary

Hair in the Academy (HATA) held a high-profile event to celebrate its 20th anniversary and the

official launch of Hair in the Community (HITC) at its unique hairdressing salon in Exeter.

Eminent guests included Will Michelmore, Master of The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers &

Shearmen (IWFS) and other members of Tuckers Hall including Richard Marsh CEO, Executive

Officer of Exeter Chamber of Commerce. The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr

Kevin Mitchell, and David Greensmith, Trustee and Director of St. Petrock’s also attended.

Established at the Deaf Academy in 2004 by Mary Pugsley MBE, HATA delivers a unique

training programme in hairdressing, barbering, beauty, mental health awareness, customer

service, Maths and English supporting vulnerable young adults with complex needs.

The 52-week provision with an ethos of education to employment, achieves an impressive 95% success getting students towards completion of work-ready qualifications.

When the Deaf Academy relocated to Exmouth, it was a race against time for Mary to find a

new salon to enable her to continue her good work. Historical Exeter charity Tuckers Hall helps

young people aged 16 – 25 into trades to enable them into employment, fitting perfectly with

HATA’s delivery programme. The Guild and Incorporation have existed in Exeter for nearly 600

years and occupied Tuckers Hall since 1471.

The members came to Mary’s rescue when she needed to find larger premises, by purchasing

the freehold property ‘Cornerstone’ so she could continue her good works in the community.

Mary explains: “It was a stressful time, and we needed to find suitable premises as quickly as

possible in the centre of Exeter to continue supporting our students. The Members of IWSFS

came to my rescue by purchasing the freehold property ‘Cornerstone. I cannot

thank Tuckers Hall enough for coming to our rescue. In particular, to acknowledge Mr. Richard

Jacobs, (Past Master) who negotiated the purchase of Cornerstone on behalf of the charity.”

Will Michelmore, Master (IWFS) says: “Mary not only provides education and a safe centre for

vulnerable young people but has built a place where students and her team feel valued,

respected, and empowered. She has created an environment that strives for achievement but

where kindness, encouragement and equality are equally important.”

The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Exeter Cllr Kevin Mitchell comments: “It was a real

pleasure to attend the 20th anniversary Celebrations at HATA. The support that Mary Pugsley

and her team provide to some of the most vulnerable young individuals within Devon is

admirable and I wish them the greatest success for their new Hair in the Community venture.”

In addition to the 20th anniversary, HATA celebrated its newly formed sister organisation,

(HITC), CIC a not-for-profit social enterprise, and community interest company which relies on

funding and is looking for local businesses to help support this initiative. Led by Mary Pugsley

MBE, the award-winning team has helped thousands of individuals acquire essential skills,

obtain an education, and find secure employment. With the first launch in conjunction with St.

Petrock’s, siblings Abigail and Anastasia have been given a life-changing opportunity to become

fully qualified barbers. 

Rhi Belcher, former student of HATA, is designated ‘Community Barbering Lead’ for this project

and has been training the two sisters. She comments: “I train the girls at St. Petrock’s each

week in a dedicated room, and also from HATA salon for exams and training. On behalf of

HITC, I also provide an integral service to those challenged by homelessness to have free

haircuts each Tuesday at St. Petrock’s, giving them a boost of confidence.” She clarifies: “Mental

health comes in many ways and the work HITC does in the homeless community is a life-saver

for some, helping them gain more confidence for potential housing, a job interview, or simply

feeling good about themselves. It’s very rewarding.”

David Greensmith, Trustee and Director of St. Petrock’s comments: “Community-based

organisations such as HATA/HITC, and charities like St. Petrock’s make a real difference. I am

delighted that collectively we’ve brought the two sisters together, providing them with a home,

training and employment.”

Mary Pugsley MBE concludes: “We look after young people needing help, working with them

through a VTCT qualification allowing them to go into work. HATA creates a scaffolding around

each learner and an individual learning plan helping with their mental health, to get them

through that learning journey. Unique in the UK, we have our own social worker and counsellor

who each work on a 1:1 basis with the student. A transparent relationship with parents and

carers helps the student into further education or employment with a high-quality certificate. It’s

a rewarding way of giving back to the community.”

https://www.hairattheacademy.co.uk/

To donate to HITC: https://hairinthecommunity.org.uk/