Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 10:31am

East Ayrshire Carers Centre Launch new Pamper Bus

The Princess Royal Trust East Ayrshire Carers Centre has launched its Pamper Bus, a refurbished Stagecoach bus which has been turned into a mobile health and beauty salon, with the help of local qualified therapists and students from Kilmarnock College.

The East Ayrshire Carers Centre offers information, support and training opportunities to all carers throughout East Ayrshire. Their 'Pamper Bus', will travel around the rural areas of East Ayrshire visiting unpaid carers, giving them the opportunity to receive beauty and relaxation treatments free of charge. Two Kilmarnock College Level 3 Nail Services students also joined the launch to provide manicures for carers.

Principal of Kilmarnock College, Heather Dunk, said: "We were contacted by the Carers Centre to see if any of our Nail Services students were free to join the Pamper Bus staff for the launch. The Pamper Bus is a brilliant initiative, providing a welcomed break for carers and we were very pleased to arrange for our students to use the skills they have learned at the College for the benefit of the greater community."

Kimberly Cattanach (18) from Ardrossan and Laura McPherson (23) from Kilwinning helped out on the day providing manicures, nail care and hand massages to the carers. Other treatments available included Indian head massage, Swedish massage and Reiki.

Jane Smith, East Ayrshire Carers Centre manager added: "Our Pamper Bus allows for more carers to get the opportunity to relax and enjoy a bit of time to themselves, away from their caring responsibilities. The bus travels to rural areas of East Ayrshire visiting unpaid carers who sometimes find it a struggle to pop into their local Carers Centre.

"We're very grateful to Stagecoach who donated the bus for free, all of our volunteers and Kilmarnock College for their support of this initiative."

Scottish Television show The Hour were present at the launch and the event will featured in their show on Friday 5 February at 5pm.

For more information on courses available at Kilmarnock College please contact 01563 523501 or visit www.kilmarnock.ac.uk.

Picture 1: Laura McPherson and Kimberly Cattanach