Clydebank College -Fundraising for Local Charities

Lesley Devlin is an adult returner who is studying Beauty Therapy at Clydebank College.  She has raised over three-and-a-half thousand pounds for local charities by volunteering her beauty therapy skills at various charitable events. “As a single mum looking to return to the job market in the future I realised I had to make the most of every opportunity that was available to enhance my skills to prepare me for employment. With support from my tutors I progressed well throughout my course and began to realise that I could put my learning to good use to benefit others whilst providing a service to clients. I saw an opportunity to develop my confidence and practice the beauty treatments I was learning and, at the same time, help to raise much needed funds for several charities in my local area. With each technique I was learning I offered treatments at local charity events. Working with clients in such an intense way increased my confidence in my practice and learning of the therapies and in developing my customer care skills. I enjoyed being able to offer a service that could raise funds to contribute to good causes as well as offering a little treat for those who enjoyed the treatments.”

“The organisations that I volunteered with benefitted in a very practical way as I was able to make a contribution to their fundraising activities. At the same time the marketing of the activities helped raise awareness of the work of the charity involved and I was keen to contribute to supporting a wide range of organisations. I was also able to encourage other students to become involved and we promoted the college and our Beauty Therapy Department at the same time. People were very interested to learn more about the college and also about the charities I was supporting. During the fundraisers several people said they were interested in finding out more about the college and courses available, especially for adult returners. I hope that seeing a more mature learner will encourage other people to think about looking into college as an option.”