A Fashionable Experience at M&S

Disabled students from Northern Counties College helped out at an Employability Project event last month. The celebration event was held at Marks & Spencer (Newcastle) and the students modelled in a fashion show showcasing outfits from Marks and Spencer. Fourteen models faced the catwalk to display appropriate clothes for work and clothes for leisure.

Photo: Models Jane and Anelida getting prepared for the show with Y-Salon hairdressers

Models Jane and Anelida getting prepared for the show with Y-Salon hairdressers

The fashion show was part of an evening programme organised to celebrate the work of the Employability Project and to highlight plans for the future. Over 80 people attended the evening to enjoy the excellent food, drink and entertainment on offer.

The models, aged between 18 and 25, had a great time. John Lander was one of the models involved and he said: 'I really enjoyed getting dressed up and being a model. I modelled clothes for work. I was nervous before I went out because there were a lot of people watching but as soon as I started I loved it!'

The Employability Project works to develop employability opportunities for disabled people by engaging with regional, socially responsible employers, introducing them to the work of the foundation and suggesting partnership working options. The Project Manager coordinated the help of other employers with this event to make it an inclusive experience. Soundscapes provided bespoke music for the show, Y-Salon (Eldon Gardens, Newcastle) provided 3 hairdressers and Chris Best from Chris Best Photography attended to take photographs of the evening.

Ruth Woodfine, Project Manager said: 'I wanted to arrange an informal evening to say thank you to partners of the project for their support and I couldn't have chosen a better venue. The fashion show was a fantastic addition as it was not only fun to watch, it also showed the audience the talent and skills that these young disabled people could bring to any organisation!'

 

If you'd like more information on the Employability Project and how you too can get involved, please contact Ruth Woodfine on: 0191 281 7532, or if you prefer email: ruthwoodfine@percyhedley.org.uk.

 
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