Lancashire homeless to be given helping hand with haircuts

Lancashire homeless to be given helping hand with free haircuts.

Our Lifehouse in Blackburn, Bramwell House, has joined forces with a local barber to provide free haircuts to its residents.

Taking place once a month at the Lancashire Lifehouse, located on Heaton Street in Blackburn, trainee-barber Jaza Ahmed, 20, from Blackburn, is giving up his time to provide the service.

Jaza will provide haircuts and beard tidying for our residents, many of which are using the service before attending job interviews, housing meetings and reuniting with family members as they continue to rebuild their lives.

Jaza said: “A haircut can be seen as a luxury, with many struggling financially, and mentally, to actually have the funds and the confidence to get one. Giving people a sense of pride without having to find the money to do so was an important aspect for me.

“I’m happy to give up my time to go to their home and help them with what can be such a transformation and can make such an impact to someone’s life. I want to thank The Salvation Army for allowing me to be involved.”

Starting only recently, already 50 residents have taken up the service and there are plans to open up the offer to the wider homeless community within Blackburn. 

Kalvin, 25, who has been a resident at Bramwell House for two months took advantage of the service on offer, ahead of a meeting he had with his support worker. He said: “I really appreciate The Salvation Army and Jaza making this service happen. I get Universal Credit each month and once I’ve paid my rent, various bills and for food I only have £25 left and it’s tough to budget a haircut into that too.

“I suffer from anxiety and the thought of going into a busy place, like a barber shop, is a situation I don’t want to find myself in, so a haircut is always one thing that slips by. I used to do it myself with clippers, but it was all just one length. Jaza gives style and it really does make me feel better, putting me in a positive mood and realising that I matter. It really does help everyone out a lot.”

Toni Scott, project co-ordinator at Bramwell House said: “This service helps our residents on both a practical and emotional level, improving their wellbeing and boosting their confidence.

“Something as small and simple as a haircut can mean a big thing to someone going through a difficult time in their lives. We want to thank Jaza for giving up his free time to make a positive change to our residents’ lives, shining light in darkness and offering dignity when many turn a blind eye.”

Our hostels, known as Lifehouses, provide more than just a place to stay. Our Lifehouses provide specialist support and guidance to help residents tackle the complex reasons that led them to homelessness and help them end this cycle.