'Y' salon is first of its kind

Salon at the Y, in Mango Hill, not only styles hair – it also helps shape young lives.

Having opened in mid-January, it is a full-service salon for the public while also supporting the YMCA’s Social Impact initiatives.

This involves giving students from the YMCA, above it in Halpine Dr, practical help towards a Certificate II in Salon Assistant.

First for YMCA

Salon at the Y is the first of its kind for the YMCA, which helps disadvantaged young people, and there are plans to mirror it at other sites.

“First and foremost, this is a commercial enterprise,” says salon manager Christine Walker, “on the back of that, it offers space and opportunity for students.

“Students who traditionally may not have coped so well going out to salons for work experience, now have their own safe and supportive space.

Apprenticeship plan

“It’s an incredible conduit for those maybe lacking confidence and a pathway to a career.

“We may be able to help them look for work and, in the future, take some students on apprenticeships at salons.”

By visiting Salon at the Y customers are also helping the YMCA’s Schools Breakfast program, vocational schools, Cancer Survivors program, community centres, affordable housing and youth mentoring schemes.

Salon at the Y offers women’s and men’s cuts, blow-drying and styling, foiling, tinting, powder lightening, toning, perming, keratin smoothing service, beauty services and more. There is also a barbering corner.

Finding the Y

Christine has owned salons on the Sunshine Coast, worked at a day spa in NSW and salons in Eatons Hill and North Lakes.

Salon at the Y is at 22 Halpine Drive, Mango Hill, opening Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and late-night trading by appointment.

Phone 3053 3825, visit ymcabrisbane.org or email [email protected]

There's more news here