Tattoo studio covers up self-harm scars for free
Lee Nicholls has combined his passion to help others and his tattooing business to provide individuals with a tattoo cover up of their self-harm and mastectomy scars. Not only this, but Nicholls also refers people to mental health services that customers may not know about. Many people with these scars are afraid to show off their body in fear of being judged or looked down upon. However, this service gives people their freedom back. Nicholls has currently helped over 200 people cover up their scars and referred over a thousand to helpful resources. They are providing a healthcare service in an unconventional way, but one that is impactful and beautiful. Art and human innovation have become a part of medical care here. While these numbers may not be eye popping in the grand scheme of things, I believe that this proves as a powerful beginning to what could be in the future. Imagine if more businesses were able to use their services to provide affordable care to others in ways not traditionally thought of. Being able to come together could be one way we help solve the healthcare worker shortage.
Lee Nicholls said his studio, The Lucky Turtle Tattoos, Whitchurch, offers a complimentary Mental Health Monday service to members of the public, as well as signposting people to available mental health resources.
Finding the intersection between care and non-traditional healthcare businesses is a very fascinating way to provide care to those in need
They have been able to find two niche areas of care that intersect well and combine them into a model of helpful care.
Identifying services and care that people need or find important first then trying to find out what existing services could help meet these treatments. Then understanding the possibilities and limitations. Figuring out what supports would be needed in place for this to be successful and thrive.
The scars are hidden for free one Monday each month
Services are not offered at all times in order to not overwhelm the existing business
"I thought I'd get a couple of messages locally maybe and that'll be it, [but] we get hundreds of messages every month to help people," he said.
Shows a need for this specialized and new kind of care and the impact it has had on people’s lives. There is a demand
"We've helped over 200 people so far, as well as over a thousand people we've helped, referred them to either other studios... or we've referred them, 'cos they're a bit newer in their journey of healing, to the mental health resources that they might need."
What are ways that this could be expanded to offer the services to more individuals in need
Reference
Ashford, C. (2026, September 9). Whitchurch Tattoo Studio covers up self-harm scars for free. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly53g7gp1go
No generative AI was used in the writing of this post
