Six women at our Gateway accommodation get makeovers with the help of local makeup artist

Six homeless women from Coventry were treated to a makeover with the help of a makeup artist and her team.

The six women, who live at the Gateway – Coventry’s primary homeless residence which is run by us, had the makeovers to help boost their confidence and self-esteem.

The women, aged between 20-48, were given the full treatment from makeup to hairstyling and even new outfits thanks to generous clothing donations from local residents.

Gateway’s Housing Support Manager, Gail Cooper, was inspired by Haircuts for the Homeless and after a chance meeting with Coventry makeup artist Cindy Bansal in a nail bar. Her dream quickly became a reality for some of our residents.

Our Gateway opened in 2015 and provides 61 flats and two apartments for homeless people. It is the primary facility for homeless people in Coventry and houses people from all backgrounds including drug/alcohol addiction; mental health and family breakdowns.

Residents 25 years and over are supported by The Salvation Army and 18-24-year-olds receive floating support from St Basils.

Gail says: “Homeless people sometimes get bad press. I have the privilege of getting to know our residents at Gateway, many of who have had tough backgrounds.

“For many of the women involved in this event, they have little confidence and lack self-esteem. I think the makeovers have helped show the women that they are valued and supply them all with a much-needed confidence boost. It’s amazing how putting on a bit of lippy can really increase confidence levels. I can’t thank Cindy enough for her support.”

Makeup artist Cindy Bansal, who is a business owner of beautycourses4u and a member of The Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists, said: “I’m extremely passionate about empowering women so when I met Gail and she asked me to volunteer and do makeovers at Gateway it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.

“As a former beauty salon owner I love making women feel special and empowering them to become strong independent women.

“Yesterday was so rewarding. I loved giving all the women some tips on personal grooming, giving them all a much-welcomed confidence boost. They all looked fabulous and the fact they have all got a new outfit out of it too thanks to generous donations from the local community is the icing on the cake!”

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