By Cheryl Hogan, Founder, Fix Up Academy

None more so than the words, “conversion” and “revelation.”

Both feature in the story of Paul. Born in Turkey and a Roman citizen and persecutor of Christians, he was dazzled with a blinding light on the road to Damascus.

He became St Paul, author of much of the New Testament.

You may be wondering what on earth that has to do with our brand-new Fix Up Academy? But my hub of hope is here as an agent of sustainable change for those at disadvantage, thanks to a similar revelation that happened to me.

Now, it’s personal

I am not alone in being utterly inspired by a moment to act and give something back. Some charity founders, including our near neighbours Lagan’s Foundation, sprung from deeply moving and sometimes traumatic events (creator Carren losing her lovely daughter to a heart condition and then founding a good cause in her name that offers respite to parents).  I would argue that any organisation born in the fire of personal inspiration will always fare better. Largely because we never lose sight of why we started in the first place.

My calling is to help those living with severe disadvantage and that the group I have been most been most guided to help are young men, lost in their direction and perhaps even on the verge of suicide.

What makes us different?

I know that thanks to a career as a beautician and a successful businesswoman, I can offer these people skills and guidance into work. I also realise that the community around me is compassionate enough to come on this journey of change with me. But what makes the Fix Up Academy unique, is that it can call upon expert and proven expertise in health, nutrition and most of all, wellbeing.

Make no bones about it, Britain is enduring a mental health crisis, exacerbated by debt, poverty, lack of opportunity and in the case of so many men, a dearth in the communication skills and emotional intelligence they require to become resilient and confident, again.

Keeping a diary

I will be using my blogs and social media posts (we’re on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tik-Tok) to detail my journey – because there really isn’t any point in learning, if you do not share it!

My request is that you walk my Road to Damascus with me. If you can, support the Fix Up Academy with funding, benefits-in-kind (barbering is on the list of training courses, should you have a spare chair!), introductions and encouragement.

The best journeys are never taken alone. So, travel with me. When it comes to poverty, hopelessness and despair, together we can fix up some shattered lives.”

Visit our contacts page to get in touch, today.