15 Nov A ‘Big Surprise’ for Romford National Lottery-Funded hero
The National Lottery’s ‘Big Surprise’ – which honours individuals who have made a real difference with the help of National Lottery funding – delivered a heart-warming surprise for a volunteer hairdresser with Haircuts4Homeless in London and Essex.
The brainchild of Essex hairdresser, Stewart Roberts, Haircuts4Homeless has created a community of skilled hairdressers who give a few hours each month to provide haircuts for homeless people. Established in Romford, the project now operates at around 40 locations across the country – with 18 in London and Essex – and already boasts around 300 volunteer hairdressers but exciting plans are afoot and, yet again, Essex will be the launch hub.
Stewart said: “The local community has been incredibly supportive of Haircuts4Homeless right from the start. Danielle is a classic example of the support we’ve had. A local freelance hair stylist she’s already a busy lady but was one of the first to step forward and say ‘yes, I can help with that.’ Now our Romford team leader, working alongside a dedicated team of hairdressers, Danielle delivers not only delightful haircuts but also banter, friendship and a listening ear for people who are often overlooked.
“That local ‘can do’ attitude is why we are busy planning phase two with the launch of an Academy right here in Essex. The Academy will train local vulnerable and homeless people to become hairdressers themselves so they gain a skill, and will hopefully continue the work of Haircuts4Homeless.”
Despite being busy with launch plans for the first Haircuts4Homeless Academy, in recognition of Danielle’s commitment, Stewart found time to collaborate with The National Lottery and arrange for the avid Meatloaf fan to put down her scissors and be the star guest at the musical, Bat Out of Hell in the West End.
