A CARING hairdresser is ensuring that older people and those with disabilities can still keep their crowning glory.

Julie Brooks, a mum-of-two from Harwood and a hairdresser for more than 30 years, is providing the service - in memory of her late father, Mr Brian Wolfenden.

He was a barber with his own premises in Bury Road. When she was aged 14, Mrs Brooks worked in the salon each Saturday, later employed by the new owner when it became a unisex salon.

Her father gave up his barbering but eight years ago he developed dementia, and died as a result in 2012.

The experience of looking after him and trying to access help, however, taught Mrs Brooks that there were gaps in services that she would like to fill.

After working in various salons – she still works part-time in one in Greenmount, Bury – she decided she wanted to help older people at home and those who relied on carers or hospital staff to get their hair done.

A few months ago, she made contact with Lucy Bird, the new Enhanced Day Care Service Co-ordinator for Age UK Bolton. This service offers a variety of helpful activities delivered in partnership with Bolton Dementia Support, Bolton Carers Support and Bolton Care – the local authority’s care arm.

Age UK is now supporting Mrs Brooks’ hairdressing work in The Brazley Day Care Centre in Horwich each week.

Explained Mrs Brooks: “Carers can’t always wash their charge’s hair, nor can nurses in hospital, and I can give that time to them.”

Now, The Brazley Centre has a purpose-adapted salon with low sinks, adjustable chairs and special hairdryers to allow people with limited mobility or in wheelchairs to have their hair done at discount prices.

Stella Trueman from the Centre commented: “People living with dementia are frightened of things being different. At the salon, Julie helps them feel relaxed and safe.”

Age UK is delighted with the additional service and Mrs Brooks herself is pleased to provide such a lasting legacy for her dad. “I think he would have been pleased,” she said.