Haircuts4Homeless is the charity founded by hairdresser Stewart Roberts MBE. It creates space and acceptance for homeless people via a haircut, announces the launch of ‘HEAR ME, SEE ME’.
This is a publication through which Haircuts4Homeless aims to humanise the face of homelessness by challenging stigmas and stereotypes via honest, thought-provoking imagery and words to acknowledge that the smallest of actions can have the greatest effect.
The charity has set up a Crowdfunder page looking to support the printing costs of the book – 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go back to the charity. The x120 page, 320mm x 240mm, Black and white image book, with images by hair and beauty photographer Jack Eames, came about through session hairstylist and volunteer Leigh Keates: “I first pitched the book concept to Stewart and Jack after a touching encounter whilst volunteering for H4H.,” says Leigh. “Several very close-to-home conversations with the guests had triggered an awakening moment for me, forcing me to realise that I too, had stigmas and stereotypes attached to my understanding of homelessness. This gave me a burning desire to provoke the same conclusion in others.”
Almost 100,000 households reported as homeless at the start of 2021
“This is not just a book, this is not just a haircut, this is a community,” adds Stewart Roberts, founder H4H. “It’s a community creating a space for wellbeing and acceptance. Even if it is temporary, it allows our guests some respite and an opportunity to escape their difficult circumstances.” Stewart Roberts, founder H4H. “Homelessness is at crisis point in the UK and although we are aware this book is not going to solve the issues, we do believe we can contribute to making a small difference to the lives of these people. But we need your help, so please buy a copy of the book to help maintain our ability to fund our services.”
It’s more than just a haircut
Haircuts are an unimaginable luxury for homeless people; we’ve had guests that are so grateful that they have been able to get a haircut. It could be for a job interview, to visit their children, or just to feel more confident. It’s uplifting to watch the positive change throughout a Haircuts4Homeless session. Before your eyes, you witness a person’s growth in confidence; not only a physical change, but also how they eventually communicate their story to a non-judgmental pair of ears. This growth in confidence plays a vital role in combatting feelings vulnerability and isolation.
67% of people agree that a haircut can improve their mental health
We are doing this for social change and empowerment to encourage a shift in the perception of homeless people. We have used the imagery and words that we have captured to present this thought-provoking book. It humanises these individuals that are often wrongly stereotyped and marginalised by society; defined solely as ‘homeless’, a homogenous commodity with no thought as to a past or a story.
We invite you to join us on a journey of discovery; let’s make the invisible visible and spare a thought without judgement; every human being deserves the right to human connection, touch and communication.
To pre buy your copy of Hear Me, See Me, go to: https://www.haircuts4homeless.com/store-1/p/hear-me-see-me
100% of funds fo entirely to continuing H4H vital services nationwide.