Haringtons helps: building community bonds through ‘give back’ initiative

Haringtons, a 10-salon group in the South of England, has launched a community initiative, named Haringtons Helps, that aims to raise the spirits of local people while supporting its salons to build connections and knowledge of their local patch. Whether it’s a thank you to the leader of a community group doing vital work, recognition of a volunteer that’s gone the extra mile or a little pick-me-up haircut for someone who has lost their job, Haringtons Helps gives individuals and groups the chance to experience Haringtons’ Luxury Cut and Finish service completely free of charge. The programme works by asking for nominations, through Haringtons' social media and local PR. Then, each salon shares the appointments that are available, and nominees are booked in on a first-come, first-served basis. Nominees are also added to a waiting list and the reception team lets them know when an appointment becomes available. It is a rolling scheme that welcomes deserving community members into the salon, week in and week out. Nikki Neale, head of brand and marketing explains how Haringtons Helps not only gives back to communities but builds local bonds to strengthen business reputation and brand awareness. She said: “As a business, it is so important that we give back to the communities that support our salons, but we also recognise the benefit a programme like Haringtons Helps can bring to our business.” “We were clear from the start that Haringtons Helps wouldn’t be a token gesture. What’s different about this initiative is that it is ongoing and available every week at all our salons for those that need it. Because of this, communities see us as genuine and committed. We are able to build trust and loyalty, enhancing our brand reputation.” Two recent recipients include Amy, a nurse at Winchester Hospital who was nominated by her mum for her tireless work throughout the pandemic and Angela who was nominated by Winchester Magazine as someone who always goes above and beyond for everyone around her and for the work she does in the learning and education department in a prison in Winchester. Other nominees include British Heart Foundation volunteers, carers, care home workers, homeless shelter staff, residents from Winchester Beacon Night Shelter and hospice staff. Nikki continues: “For our salons, Haringtons Helps gives them the opportunity to learn more about their area and the people that live and work there, building real relationships. This is also the knowledge that they can feed back to our central marketing function, to help us better communicate with prospective clients in the area. We appreciate that Haringtons Helps is a useful vehicle to build our brand without the hard sell, but beyond that and more importantly, we are incredibly humbled by the people we have met, the organisations we have worked with and the stories we hear. We are so grateful to the communities that support our salons and we are glad that we can give something back.” We love the passion behind this initiative! It's never too late to start giving back to your community. Have you seen the latest programme launched by Haircuts4Homeless?