'hear me, see me': haircuts4homeless launch book to challenge stigma
Published
10th Mar 2022
by chloe
Haircuts4Homeless, the charity founded by hairdresser Stewart Roberts that creates space and acceptance for homeless people with a haircut, announces the launch of ‘HEAR ME, SEE ME’.
It is a publication that aims to humanise the face of homelessness by challenging stigmas and stereotypes via honest, thought-provoking imagery. In a nutshell, the charity aims to spread the idea that the smallest of actions can have the greatest effect.
They hosted a book launch earlier this week, as a number of veteran hairdressers turned up to show their support.
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.
How did 'HEAR ME, SEE ME' begin?
With images by hair and beauty photographer Jack Eames, the book came about through session hairstylist and Haircuts4Homeless (H4H) volunteer Leigh Keates: “I first pitched the book concept to Stewart and Jack after a touching encounter whilst volunteering for H4H. 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.” “This is not just a book, this is not just a haircut, this is a community. A community that creates a space for wellbeing and acceptance and - even if it is temporary - it allows our guests some respite and an opportunity to escape their difficult circumstances,” says Stewart Roberts, founder of H4H.
“It’s more than just a haircut”
Almost 100,000 households were reported as homeless at the start of 2021.
“Homelessness is at a 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.” Stewart Roberts, founder of Haircuts4Homeless.
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 for a job interview, to visit their children and feel more confident in many other situations that most of us are privileged enough to take for granted.
It’s uplifting to watch the positive change throughout a Haircuts4Homeless session. Before your eyes, you witness a person’s growth in confidence, which plays a vital role in combatting feelings of vulnerability and isolation.
67% of people agree that a haircut can improve their mental health.
We invite you to join us on a journey, not to change those that are homeless, but to change those that are not. Let’s spread the opinion that every human being deserves the right to human connection, touch and communication, critical elements in mental health and general well-being.
