Students give free haircuts to those in need
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STAFF and students at Inverness College UHI have been helping those in need by giving free haircuts to the homeless and vulnerable.
The college’s hairdressing department has teamed up with Inverness Foodstuff, which offers hot meals as well as advice and support at Bank Street Church Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The college’s hairdressing lecturer Roz Bullard set up the partnership with Inverness Foodstuff in January.
Since then, she has returned with her students every month to cut hair for free.
She said: "If you are struggling to make ends meet, a haircut is the least of your priorities, but it’s amazing what a difference a new haircut can make to how you feel.
"The feedback from people who use the drop-in centre has been phenomenal.
"They’ve really embraced the service we have offered and look forward to us coming in.
"We’ve been told it’s an invaluable service and we hope to be able to make it a regular thing.
"It’s also been a really great experience for our students, who have loved getting out and about meeting new people and really learned a lot in terms of people skills, which is a massive part of being a good hairdresser.
"We’re also really delighted to be giving something back to the community."
Agnes Fraser, a volunteer manager with Inverness Foodstuff, said: "The participants have benefited from the enthusiasm and talent of the hairdressing team.
"It’s not just about cutting hair. It’s about being treated with dignity and respect, making people feel better and enjoying the pampering.
"Our participants were delighted with the results of their ‘make-over’ and whilst they were cautious initially they now ask when the girls are coming in."
