Hairdresser praised for ‘championing neurodiversity’ after client visits with two bunnies!

'We have had lambs in the previous time. It could be anything and they always come in two! She has lambs, the bunnies and she has had kittens in too. It’s like Noah’s Ark!'

A Markethill hairdresser has been praised for “championing neurodiversity” when a 15-year-old client was permitted to attend her appointment with two bunny rabbits.

Owner of salon Studio44, Lynsey Cartmill has received adulation from her local community after allowing her young neurodiverse client, Abbie to hold her pets during a routine haircut with stylist Denise Morrison.

Lynsey and Denise have been cutting Abbie’s hair since the salon opened four years ago and, in that time, have built up a special rapport with the young girl who has severe learning difficulties.

Lynsey explained: “We have built up a good relationship now but it did take a while for Abbie to feel comfortable.

“She hates getting her hair done and I’ve been working with Abbie’s mum to establish an environment that she’s more comfortable in.

“She comes in usually in the mornings when it’s quieter and she would have brought her wee dogs and teddies in and that would have brought a bit of comfort.

“But the animals! It’s the difference of night and day. The difference that those animals make is incredible and we always make sure that if there’s anyone else within the salon that they are happy enough that the animals are there.

“We usually try to have at least 15 minutes when there is no one in so it’s a calm environment, it’s her environment and it’s her time to get her hair done.”

And the bunnies weren’t the first furry visitors to accompany Abbie on her makeovers.

Added Lynsey: “We have had lambs in the previous time. It could be anything and they always come in two! She has lambs, the bunnies and she has had kittens in too. It’s like Noah’s Ark!”

For Lynsey, it’s important that Studio44 is a safe place for all of her clients where each can enjoy the same level of care and attention.

Said Lynsey: “I always try to make adjustments. Some of my neurodiverse clients prefer different things like they maybe don’t want their hair too short, or the salon to be too noisy. I always try to make them feel safe, reduce the noise for them or give them their own space.

“I want everyone to feel equal and to be able to come in and enjoy a haircut without it being a traumatic or stressful experience.

“As a parent myself, if it was my child I would just want someone to do that for my child and for me.”

Abbie’s mother, Sharleen McMurray was one of the first to praise the salon saying: “Thank-you Lynsey and Denise for the wonderful job you do with Abbie each time she comes to get her hair cut. These girls go above and beyond to make Abbie’s visit as stress free as possible including allowing all the livestock!”

Another said: “Thank-you for providing this much needed service.”

“Great to see that Studio44 are championing neurodiversity,” added another.

Headlines

🔥 Eight vehicles destroyed in garage fire in Middletown

👸 Youngest female councillor ever to be elected Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council

🤴 SDLP selects South Armagh councillor Pete Byrne as Newry, Mourne and Down chair

🗳️ TUV confirm local councillor Keith Ratcliffe to join Newry & Armagh Westminster race

❤️ iCare Launches 2024 ‘Our Community Cares’ campaign with local business support 

🩸Richhill woman launches blood donation drive in memory of ‘amazing’ father

💰ADL Tiles clearance sale coming to an end soon ahead of new chapter for owner Adrian

⚖️ Woman who covered for murderer was subjected to his violence at Tynan Stables, court told

⚖️ Youth leader who avoided jail for child sexual offences facing new charges

👮 Police investigating sudden death in Newry

🕊️ Family tributes to ‘loving and caring’ young man who died in lake

👮 Motorcyclist taken to hospital following collision with car in Scarva

👮 Burglars flee empty-handed after home owner returns in second incident within hours

👮 Burglars who robbed and racksacked pensioners’ Newry home ‘heartless criminals’

🚦Short section of Meadow Lane to close to facilitate second phase of NI Water pipeline connections

⭐ Nominate your rising stars for the Junior Sports Awards

👮 Police appeal as motorist hits young female on her bike in Lurgan

👮 Women who admitted role in Katie Simpson murder cover-up on bail ahead of sentencing

🍸 High V as experienced hospitality duo open new casual dining restaurant in Moy

⛪ Former church building goes on the market in Richhill

🚦Significant progress in Cloughogue traffic calming scheme welcomed

🐄 Jack and Alexander beef up ABP Angus Youth Challenge effort to raise vital Air Ambulance funds

---

Competition

Win a pair of tickets...

We have a pair of tickets to give away for Jake Blount at The Market Place Theatre on Friday, June 14 at 8pm.

Simply click the button below to enter… Good luck!

---

Armagh Jobs

We have more new job openings on armaghjobs.com. Check them out below. And why not take our poll if you’re currently on the job hunt!

🆕 Mark’s Pharmacy require full-time Supervising Pharmacist for Ardee.

🆕 Noel Conn & Company require Receptionist, Cleaner and Accounts Administrator.

🆕 V Restaurant Moy require Chefs of all levels and Kitchen Porter.

🆕 Clogher Valley Care require Domiciliary Care Workers based in Armagh.

🆕 Creighan Contracts require an Accounts Technician / Assistant Accountant.

🆕 Traynors Moy require Car Part Sales Advisor.

🆕 Sunnymead Residential Living require Registered Residential Home Manager.

🆕 Re-Gen Waste require Management Accountant, Maintenance Administrator, Transport Administrator, 360 Materials Handler and HGV Mechanic.

🆕 Versaffix Newry require Fitter.

✅ Linwoods require Electrical/Maintenance Technician.

✅ Bunzl McLaughlin require a Multi-Drop Delivery Driver.

✅ Armagh City Hotel require a Fitness Instructor.

✅ Hewitt’s Meats require a Quality Manager.

✅ Mount Charles have a number of full time roles across Armagh and beyond.

🆕 Rainbow Community Childcare require Childcare Centre Manager.

✅ Killeen Hardware require part-time Counter Assistant.

✅ Armagh City Hotel require part-time Housekeeper.

✅ Southern Area Hospice Services require Bank Health Care Assistants.

✅ Mount Charles require Cleaning Operatives and Catering Assistants.

🛎️ If you have a job and want to advertise it to 40,000 daily users on www.armaghjobs.com and www.armaghi.com, as well as more than 9,000 people on this newsletter and our 100,000 social media followers, get in touch.

---

🤔 Conundrum

Well done to those of you who guessed last Tuesday’s conundrum… Mix Lithium, Sulfur, Sodium and add a pickle at the end

The answer: Lisnadill

Today’s conundrum is this…

This actor won’t get mired down by his goofy characters!

Where in Co Armagh are we talking about?