Paisley charity Haus of Seisay has been recognised in a Scottish Parliament motion for its work with care-experienced young people.

West Scotland MSP Cara McKee visited the charity recently and has shared a motion praising the difference it makes through hairdressing education, qualifications, work experience and wellbeing support.

Built by two adoptive dads

Haus of Seisay was founded in 2022 by husbands Thomas and Tony Seisay, who drew on their own experience as adoptive parents to create a safe, supportive place where young people can build confidence and learn a trade. The charity says it has now supported more than 40 care-experienced young people.

Learners have gained accredited qualifications, gone on to further education and found jobs, and the charity has since expanded into Ayrshire. Just as important, its work aims to help young people improve their wellbeing and feel they belong.

It has been a big year for the team. The charity won the Education Excellence award at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards, after being shortlisted earlier this year, and it is a finalist for Education Inclusion with Qualifications Scotland.

'A vital part of keeping The Promise'

Ms McKee said: “Recent evidence from Action for Children shows that care-experienced people face practical barriers to finding and beginning their first job, which can lead to poorer economic and social outcomes in adulthood. Ensuring that care-experienced young people have full access to employment opportunities and career development is a vital part of reducing inequality and keeping The Promise.”

She added: “As a child of foster parents myself I know what a huge difference being supported into employment can make to care experienced young people. All our young people deserve support in the transition to adulthood.”

Thomas Seisay, the charity's chair and founder, said: “When Tony and I started Haus of Seisay, we wanted to create somewhere young people felt safe, valued and believed in. To receive national awards, recognition from Qualifications Scotland and acknowledgement in the Scottish Parliament has been incredible.

“But our greatest achievement will always be our young people. Watching them grow in confidence, achieve qualifications and realise their worth is what makes everything worthwhile.”

Haus of Seisay plans to expand its programmes in 2027 and will host its Connection on the Frontline conference. You can find out more at hausofseisay.org.

Photo: Haus of Seisay team at the UK Hair & Beauty Awards. Photo: Haus of Seisay.