PEOPLE who work in hairdressing or beauty businesses are invited to attend a free information evening to learn how to help clients who may be suffering from domestic violence and abuse.

Jane Thoy, a BACP registered counsellor and freelance trainer, working from Ilkley, will run the event on Tuesday, May 21 at Ilkley Moor Vaults, Stockeld Road, Ilkley.

For the last 12 years Jane has specialised in working with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse directly and through setting-up and developing voluntary domestic violence and abuse services, writing and delivering a range of relevant training courses to statutory, voluntary and corporate organisations and now working as a counsellor specialising in domestic violence and abuse recovery.

She was prompted to set up the Ilkley event after reading about the case of Kerri McAuley, who confided in her hairdresser after she was attacked by her abusive boyfriend. She was killed in 2017. Following her death Norfolk County Council launched a training scheme for hairdressers and beauticians.

Jane said: “This event is for people who work in hairdressing, barbers, nail and beauty salons in the Craven and Wharfe Valley area.

“Chatting with my own contacts confirmed they would appreciate an opportunity to understand and learn more and I was happy to contribute to raising awareness of this still ‘under the radar’ abuse.

“I am also aware that many people still operate under the assumption that domestic violence and abuse is a rare occurrence in more affluent and ‘leafy’ areas which only makes it harder still to both recognise it and also to disclose.

“The information evening is a presentation with Q &A session to specifically raise awareness and recognition of when clients may be disclosing experiencing relationship abuse and to increase confidence in responding and to provide information about services and sources of support in the local areas (Leeds, Bradford, Craven) and how to offer support in a sensitive and appropriate way.

“The event will run from 6.30pm (prompt start) and finish at 8.30pm. It is free admission but will require a ticket which can be obtained directly from me at realtalktherapy@outlook.com or 07561 169032. I will provide take-away information for those attending.”

For more information about Jane’s work visit ww.realtalktherapy.co.uk