The Open Door Project is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that uses beauty, hair, and creative arts to empower women, build confidence, and develop skills.

Our mission is to help women and vulnerable groups in Reading by providing affordable training and community programs that enhance wellbeing, boost confidence, and create pathways to employment.

Our vision is to offer a warm, inclusive space where women from all backgrounds feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive — gaining skills, confidence, and connections that lead to new opportunities.

We welcome women aged 18+ from all walks of life, including:

. Mothers with young children

• Unemployed or low-income individuals

• Domestic abuse survivors

• Women with disabilities or health challenges

• Refugees, asylum seekers, and new migrants

• Those for whom English is not a first language

• Anyone seeking a safe, supportive place to learn and connect

What We Offer - Skills & Training Workshops

Interactive, hands-on learning in:

• Beauty: Threading, Waxing, Facials, Brow & Lash Tinting

• Hair: Cutting, Styling, Proper use of Styling Tools

• Nails & Makeup

• Henna Art (Mehndi)

• Holistic Therapies

• Creative Crafts: Candle making, decoration & more

Our aim is create community salons where participants gain practical experience while offering affordable treatments to key workers, carers, and people in need — building both skill and confidence .

Employability & Entrepreneurship Support

We help participants prepare for the world of work or self-employment:

• Job applications & CV writing

• Interview preparation & mock interviews

• Customer service & business management workshops

• Digital skills (online forms, job search, IT basics)

• Work experience placements

Community & Wellbeing Programmes

A safe space to connect, share, and grow:

• Bollywood & Bhangra Dance classes – fitness, fun, and friendship

• Arts & Crafts sessions – creative expression and relaxation (Candles making)

• Wellbeing and confidence-building activities

Awareness & Life Skills Workshops (Free for all participants)

Informative sessions that build understanding, confidence, and independence:

• Understanding British life, values, and systems

• Managing a home & finances (rent, bills, council tax, etc.)

• Fire safety, first aid, and emergency awareness

• Health & wellbeing, including mental health and disabilities awareness

• Environmental sustainability & safe chemical use

• Parenting support: managing bullying, working with schools

• SEND awareness and inclusion

• Starting your own business

Core Values & Impact Areas:

• Community benefit & inclusivity

• Empowerment through skills & confidence

• Supporting disadvantaged and underrepresented groups

• Building pathways to employment and self-sufficiency

• Promoting wellbeing and social connection

Sustainability & Responsibility:

• Reinvesting profits back into the community (Asset Lock)

• Ethical and accessible pricing (sliding scale for low incomes)

• Commitment to long-term, sustainable social impact

In Summary

“The Open Door Project opens pathways for people to learn, grow, and reach their potential.”

“We provide a welcoming space where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.”