HABIC launches #ReachOutandConnect campaign

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) Ireland has launched the #ReachOutandConnect campaign in partnership with Age Action Ireland to ease older people’s isolation and lift their spirits during the Covid-19 crisis.

There are 426,331 people aged over 70 in Ireland, of which 175,205 people have a disability and 117,123 live alone.

According to HABIC, for many of Ireland's older generation, salons and barber shops played a vital community role and provide a very personal social outlet. The relationship is a special one that can be put to good use during these long and lonely days.

HABIC and Age Action Ireland are urging hair and beauty salons and barber shops throughout the county to lift the phone and #ReachOutandConnect with their vulnerable and isolated older clients. The organisations said that simply making a call to check in on older people in the local community and have a chat is something that anyone can and this can be of vital assistance to ensure older people do not become further isolated from their communities.

Meanwhile, HABIC has welcomed the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys’ announcement of an expansion of supports for all businesses impacted by Covid-19. The package is now worth €1bn in liquidity measures and free mentoring and online training are also available for all SMEs.

“This package is a significant step-up in the supports available for all businesses in all sectors at this very difficult time,” she said. “The measures have been developed to meet the varying needs of Irish enterprise and they are very specifically targeted by size, sector and need.”