The Freelance Hair and Beauty Federation actively supports HABB in a number of ways - organising fundraising events and attending HABB charity functions, etc.

FHBF director Sheila Abrahams collected an award at this year's Hair and Beauty Benevolent Fundraising Ball in recognition of our fundraising work and media partnesrhip.

You can find more infomation on their website at www.habb.org.

Hair & Beauty Benevolent (HABB) is the official industry charity, dedicated to helping hair and beauty professionals facing difficulties in life.

It makes life easier by providing things such as special equipment and house modifications for those that need it, as well as furniture and equipment to help disabled hairdressers continue working.

Through its Children's Fund, you can help provide specialised indoor and outdoor equipment for disabled children, as well as essentials such as school uniforms, beds and bedding. It also provides for monthly pocket money, holidays and clothing, as well as gifts throughout the year on birthdays and Christmas.

You can find more infomation on their website at www.habb.org.

You may be surprised to know that "The Hairdressers Benevolent & Provident Institution" began life in 1831, when Charles Dickens was a struggling journalist, still dreaming of publishing his first book and Victoria still had six years to wait before she became Queen. It began as a subscription fund to provide security for its founders as they grew old but it achieved such success that by 1838 it had changed both its name and the range of its objectives.

In 1844 the minutes of the Annual General Meeting informed its members that the Hairdressers Benevolent & Provident Institution existed "in order to alleviate the sufferings of the Master Hairdresser or his widow, whom poverty or affliction in old age might overtake." One hundred and sixty nine years later the charity still exists, providing help to those who require it.

The Hair and Beauty Benevolent is the charitable arm of the professional hair and beauty industries. Known as the Caring Hand of the Industry, the Benevolent is committed to providing past or serving members of both industries with help and support in times of crisis caused through illness or infirmity - either to themselves or their families.

The Benevolent also offers assistance to those in dire financial difficulties and provides support to young people through its Children' Fund.

HABB has five key objectives:

• Provide on-going financial assistance to members of the Hair & Beauty Benevolent
• Provide one-off grants to help reduce personal financial difficulties
• Assist, where necessary, with helping to provide basic needs of life
• Work closely with other charities and welfare groups in support of its own members and from time to time, share the cost of expensive items such as motorised wheelchairs and computers
• Identify opportunities through the resources of the Hair & Beauty Benevolent to help children up to the age of 16 years whose parents are connected with the industry and who may qualify for assistance from the Children's Welfare Fund

HABB is funded through membership, donations and fundraising events.

Every May there is the "HABB a great Day" event where every person in the industry is asked to donate just £1, and every February is the grand fundraising ball, with your chance to sit among industry stars for a glittering evening of great food and great fun whilst raising money for the cause.

• Events - fundraising events throughout the year including an annual banquet and ball in London and Scotland, a Bike challenge and days at the races.
• Membership - industry professionals can make a difference to the work we do through paying an annual membership fee.
• Donations - Individuals within the industry organise their own sponsored activities throughout on behalf of the Benevolent. Past charity events have included everything from running marathons and climbing mountains, to shaving as many heads as possible in 30 minutes!