A group of hairdressers and barbers in Milton Keynes, called Haircuts4Homeless MK, are dedicating time out of their busy schedules to provide free haircuts to homeless people.
Since officially launching in December last year, Haircuts4Homeless MK has continued to grow whilst helping homeless individuals lift their spirits.
It is part of the national charity Haircuts4Homeless, with the Milton Keynes branch being run by a group of volunteers.
Hetty Campbell, who started the MK branch, said: "To begin with, it was just me and [during] my first week no one wanted a haircut. Just because you are giving away a free haircut doesn't mean people will queue up for you. You have to earn their trust. Then, the breakthrough was a homeless person called David*. After that, it has grown week on week."
Hetty and the team volunteer at various venues across Milton Keynes, including The Community Club at Unity Park Station in Central MK. It is open every Tuesday from 10 am to 12:30 pm for anyone that needs it. She continued: "It's the most welcoming place. The first week there were nine guests, now [there are] up to eighty. They can have a free lunch, haircut, support, games, mini manicures, hand massages, a doctor comes once a month too. It's the most positive place.
"You wouldn't believe the difference in the guests as weeks go by. Their confidence, body language changes. It also catches people that have fallen through the cracks."
Haircuts4Homeless MK launched officially in December 2019. It all started with Hetty, Caroline, and Donna cutting hair, and now, a mere few months later, the team has grown to 20. There are 14 hairdressers, four barbers, and Hetty's 81-year old mum. "She books the guests in and sweeps up," said Hetty.
The newest member of the team is Claire who does mini manicures and is an "asset" to the team.
Each week, the volunteers are kept busy at The Community Club and serve between 16-25 guests. They do cuts, blow-dry's and the odd up do to "lift spirits".
"Our ethos is to make each guest leave feeling better about than when they sat down," said Hetty, "That's the best bit of our job and it's a privilege to roll this out to the most vulnerable. My MK team are extremely dedicated and I'm so lucky to have them. I couldn't do this without them."
Hetty has learnt a lot since starting as a volunteer last year. "It's so much more than a haircut," she said, "We talk to those that not many want to talk to. We listen to those that feel have no voice. If you are homeless you don't have much human touch. So it is way more than just a cut. You won't believe the difference it makes unless you see it.
"This week, for instance, Daniel cut a homeless gentleman's hair. He was very tired, he hadn't had much sleep at the shelter and was feeling very low. He was slumped in the chair. After his haircut, he was bouncing with energy and an absolute beaming smile. We see this so much. Every volunteer has had this experience [and] normally a hug too."
Now that Hetty and the team are proving popular amongst their guests, they travel to different locations across MK. They spend an evening at YMCA MK once a month and are soon hoping to open two more venues. Before these new venues can open, Hetty says she is "desperately trying to recruit more volunteers".
Haircuts4Homeless MK is looking for at least six hairdressers or barbers to dedicate a few hours a month. Volunteers are needed to work evenings, likely from 7 pm to 9 pm, or every second Tuesday of the month from 1 pm to 3pm.
Are you a local hairdresser? Could you spare a few hours per month to help Haircuts4Homeless MK? Get in touch with Hetty here.
Alternatively, you can find the charity on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @Haircuts4HomelessMK.
*Their name has been changed to protect their identity.
