Barber boosts mental health with free haircuts

This week we were fortunate enough to have Mohammed drop by to give residents free haircuts for Mental Health Awareness Week. 

“I love getting my haircut. It makes me feel lighter, sharp and ready to go. It might not seem like a lot but it definitely improves my mood. Thanks to Mohammed for popping in today; he was amazing and it was great to have a chat with him and others whilst I waited.”

Russell, resident at Caritas Anchor House

Mohammed volunteered his time to provide professional haircuts and beard trims, and to chat to our residents. It was smiles all around on Wednesday.

“It is volunteers like this that can transform a resident’s week. Finding the money to have a professional haircut can be a real challenge and yet feeling good about the way you look has such a huge positive impact on your mental health. Thank you, Mohammed!”

Naomi, community partnerships manager at Caritas Anchor House

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is loneliness, which is a poignant topic for a lot of our residents who are single adults who have experienced homelessness. Getting a free haircut is great way to make them feel better and for them to have a safe space to share their experiences.

We’re hoping to make Anchor House Barbershop a regular monthly event for our residents, not just for Mental Health Awareness Week. If you’re a barber and would like to volunteer, we’d love to hear from you, please e-mail us communications@caritasanchorhouse.org.uk.