Salon’s welcoming service

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A ONE-OF-A-KIND Leigh hair salon is prioritising the needs of children and adults with educational needs and disabilities.

Shelby’s Hair and Beauty Salon in Elmsleigh Drive boasts a decorated children’s room, in which staff with experience helping youngsters with additional needs can provide a welcoming service.

The facility was the idea of owner Michelle Bone, known by friends and customers as Shelby, who believes her salon is the only one in the county to offer such facilities.

The private room boasts racing car sets, toys, lava lamps, DVDs, fidgets, murals, dim lights and other sensory items to keep children entertained.

“I’ve had my salon here for nearly 12 years in December,” Ms Bone explains.

“We started off as a barbershop with services for children and initially I created an area in my salon for parents who had difficulty getting their children to have haircuts.”

Ms Bone knows how important it is for everyone to feel comfortable, as she has experience of disabilities in her family.

“I have autism in my family, and I have ADHD. I wanted to create a business that is friendly and accommodating for people to use.

“We’ve created a calming caring and understanding space, which is also wheelchair accessible.”

Ms Bone explained that the room is very popular with the community: “We have a big SEND (Special educational needs and disability) following and are very proud of our services for anyone child or adult with SEND.

“We create a place where everyone can feel comfortable, with as little stress as we can.

“It’s fine if people want their haircut on the floor, or under the chairs!”

Ms Bone hopes to make other businesses more aware of neuro diversity: “It’s really important that we cater for all clients’ needs, and make a calming environment where everyone feels welcome.”

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A ONE-OF-A-KIND Leigh hair salon is prioritising the needs of children and adults with educational needs and disabilities.

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