Member Article

intu Eldon Square supports Prom in the Community

intu Eldon Square has joined forces with Cramlington mum Nicola Tunstill to ensure all girls in the region will go to the prom!

Nicola, 31, is making headlines with her ‘Prom in the Community’ project, a small group hiring out dream designer prom dresses for free.

Mum-of-five, Nicola, said she was inspired to respond when she realised families were feeling under pressure to fork out more and more cash on the end-of-school celebration, leaving those who can’t spend as much feeling like they’ve missed out.

“I set up this project after a close friend struggled to send her daughter to the prom last year, having to get the dress, make-up, hair, a car - the bigger these proms get the more expensive they become!” Nicola explained. “It was just so unfair that some girls were missing out on the chance to go to the prom simply due to the financial burden that buying a prom dress puts on the family.

“I’ve heard stories of people who’ve missed their proms because they felt the expectation to have a dress they just couldn’t afford - I just want more people to know that there is something which can help. I’ve set up a Facebook page for people to get in touch at https://www.facebook.com/groups/332826097234476/ or people can just search for ‘prom in the community’ and they’ll find me! “

“I’m so grateful to intu Eldon Square for offering their support, they are going to place a prom donation box at the shopping centre, and also take postal donations, as well as promoting my campaign on social media so that will be a huge support.”

The bespoke prom box, which is now in position outside Debenhams on St Andrew’s Way, was launched by ITV Tyne Tees Good Morning Britain presenter Rachel Sweeney, who donated two special outfits.

“One of the dresses I’m donating I wore to get married at a registry office before flying off on honeymoon to Thailand and doing it all again on a beach with a completely different frock!” said Rachel, “The other is a fantastic red dress that still has the tags on – it’s never been worn! I think they’d both be perfect prom dresses!

“I am more than happy to donate dresses to this cause. Every girl should be able to go to prom feeling confident. There’s so much anxiety surrounding these events for young girls, they’re under so much pressure, especially with social media - so this is a great way of helping them.”

intu Eldon Square community manager Clare Cannon, added:

““When we heard about Nicola’s story and campaign, we just had to offer assistance as this is such an amazing way to make a huge difference to young people at a crucial point in their lives. Our sister shopping centre at London’s intu Lakeside promoted a hugely successful prom dress campaign last year, titled ‘Nice to Be Nice’. This was the brainchild of Essex-born office manager Chloe Levelle, who we are lucky enough to be working with us at intu Eldon Square, supporting Nicola’s ‘Prom in the Community’ project.

We’re very grateful to Rachel for launching the prom box with her own very special donations. The box will be on site until Monday 7 May, and afterwards we’ll be holding a ‘prom dress event’ where the dresses will be loaned for free. In addition, make-up and hair artists will donate their time to give out tips on looking glam for the prom, and our retailers will be on hand with lots of ideas for prom accessories including classic chokers, shoulder sweeping statement earrings, cute clutches and stylish heels.“

Nice to be Nice creator Chloe Levelle commented:

“I’m thoroughly committed to the ‘Nice to be Nice campaign,’ but as I also have a full time job, it’s amazing to receive the support of intu Eldon Square and to work in conjunction with Nicola’s ‘Prom in the Community’ project to deliver this kindness to young women who without it, simply wouldn’t be able to afford to go their prom. We ask the girls to return their frocks once worn so we can give another young lady the same opportunity in the future.”

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Dropping off at the Prom Box at intu Eldon Square from 9th April to 7th May

Posting to Prom Dress, Reception, intu Eldon Square, Eldon Court, Percy Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7JB

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .