BEATING the bullies
CITY MAKE UP ARTIST’S CAMPAIGN TO HELP YOUNGSTERS BUILD UP THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE
It started when I held a pamper day where kids who had been bullied could get their hair and make up done and go away with a photo. Harriett Harland
A COVENTRY make up artist has come up with an inspiring way of building confidence in kids that have been bullied at school.
Harriett Harland, from Holbrooks, launched the ‘This Is Me’ campaign after hearing the devastating stories of victims of bullying when she met them at a pamper day in June.
Speaking to girls who were missing out on school due to anxiety, and some who had even tried to harm themselves, it opened her eyes to a world of bullying that can remain hidden to many parents.
“It started when I held a pamper day where kids who had been bullied could come in, get their hair and make up done and then go away with a photo,” Harriett told the Telegraph.
“Around 20 kids turned up that day and talking to them about what they had been through made me realise that a lot more kids than I originally thought are affected by it. I met young girls who were bullied so badly they tried to commit suicide. I wanted them to know that there is life beyond. “I thought if I could teach these kids how to do hair and make up on themselves and others it would build their confidence and they could make others feel good too. I’m teaching them a skill – it’s not about making them look better it’s about building their confidence and their self-esteem.”
Harriett now voluntarily teaches a class of 30 10- to 16-year-olds, including one boy, in Coventry city centre every other week alongside her freelance work.
“A lot of them don’t believe in themselves,” said the 30-year-old mum of three. “At first they would tell me they can’t do it but after sticking at it they realise that they can.
“It picks them up and it gives them the opportunity to build friendships outside of school.”
With the class being such a success, Harriett now has her sights set high and is looking to expand into other areas like cookery and photography in the hope that she can help more and more vulnerable youngsters.
“There are so many boys that get bullied as well so I want to be able to reach out to them too,” she added.
Harriett is looking to raise funds that will allow her to provide more classes and more equipment in the future.
She said she has had great reviews from both the children, who were even treated to their own meet-andgreet with Alesha Dixon at the Christmas lights switch-on, and their parents, who often tell her what a difference the classes have made.
“It’s great to know that I’ve made a difference and that it is something they look forward to every week. What these kids go through is horrible – I just can’t imagine making someone feel that low,” she said.
In February, her students will have the chance to showcase everything they have learned in a catwalk show at Coventry Cathedral.
They will be doing all of the hair and make up for the show and can also choose to model if they want.
The budding stylists put their skills to the test on Sunday by doing hair, nails, and glitter make up at a fundraising event. The event, at the Priory Visiting Centre, raised funds for the This Is Me campaign and Free Radio’s Cash for Kids charity.