Beyond the Boundaries is a beauty salon – but a beauty salon like no other!
The salon opened for business to give adults with additional needs the chance to work. Its founder, Jill Smith, is a social entrepreneur, a qualified teacher and hairdresser. Her idea was inspired by her nephew, Lewis Roberts, who has learning disabilities. Currently Lewis is studying independent living skills at a local college but Jill was concerned about a lack of employment opportunities for him when he leaves college.
Jill’s plan is for adults like Lewis to develop basic skills such as people skills, team working, telephone skills, housekeeping and numeracy and literacy.
She says
‘It’s aimed at young adults who reside in Flintshire who have additional needs to help them to gain employment skills. Lewis was my inspiration because when people like Lewis get to 25-ish they have no employment prospects. I feel passionate about providing support for young people living with complex needs and they will be supported to become a member of a team, have specific roles and responsibilities. Their contribution will always be acknowledged and they will receive a salary which will give them a sense of worth and achievement’
The first to benefit is Joanne Liversage, a local resident.
She says
‘I enjoy it lots and they pay me! If I wasn’t doing it I would be bored sitting down watching telly’. I tidy up the hair, make coffees and teas and wash people’s hair’
Social Firms Wales wishes Jill and her trusted team at Beyond the Boundaries CIC every success with the new venture and are proud to be associated with such an innovate Social Firm.