It may be “just a haircut”, but it’s the kindness shown that makes a homeless person know that people really care.
I started Haircuts4Homeless by accident in November 2014. I was volunteering at a Salvation Army in Essex, talking to people about addictions as I am 15 years sober myself, and saw the homeless guys coming in for something to eat.
I had recently seen a guy on Facebook doing makeovers on homeless people on the street so thought I’ll bring my scissors to the next session and give some haircuts.
Little did I know it would change my life.
I put some pictures on Facebook and soon some hairdressers said they would like to help and some other centres said they would like us to come and now we have 68 projects across the UK & Ireland, 600 volunteers and have given over 40,000 haircuts.
I soon realised that it was much more than a haircut that we were giving. It’s about respect, connection, touch and communication.
There is something special about any profession that lays hands on people. Human touch instantly breaks down barriers, particularly in these disconnected times. We are talking about people who frequently say they feel invisible and lonely so for someone to touch them and have a conversation means the world and is a really beautiful thing to witness.
After being a guest on a few podcasts to talk about Haircuts4Homeless, it occurred to me that I have met so many wonderful people in my time with the charity that I should start my own, primarily to highlight some of the work of the unsung heroes who I meet.
It’s called “Hear Me, See Me.” Podcast and is available through Acast and on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube and Amazon Music.
I have been fortunate enough to have had some amazing guests including Game of Thrones star, Lena Headey, the Duchess of York, Meg Mathews, Bella Freud, Sam McKnight and also some amazing unsung heroes who work in the homeless centres. Most recently I have done a week of podcasts featuring some amazing women who have survived domestic violence and abuse who are an inspiration.
During my work with Haircuts4Homeless I have met some wonderful people. When you don’t see a regular for a while, you hope they have moved on to better things but when you hear they have passed away it breaks your heart. In this day and age we should be looking after all of society, no matter what their situation.
This year saw the cumulation of seven years work by being awarded an MBE for my services to homeless people. This is recognition for every member of Haircuts4Homeless.
