A homelessness charity in Salford is exploring the possibility of opening a barber’s shop, following the successful start of a hairdressing training course to help local people into work.
Emmaus Salford began hosting practical lessons in barbering at its homeless accommodation and charity shop on Fitzwarren Street.
The practical lessons have been held in partnership with skills, training and employability programme, Elevate Salford.
Elevate Salford provides a range of services to support, train and prepare people furthest from the labour market and is delivered by Salford Community Voluntary Service (CVS).
The programme has already funded Skills and Employability Support Worker, David, at the homelessness charity, who helps people across the city develop and seize opportunities to realise their goals.
Malcolm came to Emmaus Salford 12 months ago, after financial issues forced him into homelessness. He joined Rowan from Emmaus Salford and eight other local people on the barber’s course, which will run at the charity for six weeks.
Malcolm said: “I decided to do the course because becoming a barber is a way I can help people and get experience in counselling, which is what I want to do in the future.
“It’s amazing the amount of stuff I’ve told my barbers. People in barbers’ shops really open up.”
He continued: “I’d like to start by helping cut residents’ hair at Emmaus Salford, because some people who are homeless can’t get haircuts. Then I’d like to invite more people to come and get a trim.
“If people are having a bad time, I want them to have somewhere to go and have someone to speak to. A barber’s shop would be a good place to give them advice and signpost them to the right services.”
Jackie Smith, Emmaus Salford’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’ve worked closely with Elevate Salford to design a course that responds to what local people would like to do in terms of skills and prospects, whether that is being employed or starting a business of their own.
“We are excited to be able to support Malcolm and Rowan with their future goals by looking into the possibility of expanding our social enterprise with a barber’s shop in the future.
“Emmaus is proud to be able to not only provide a source of training, a home, work experience and support for people who have experienced homelessness, but a course tailored to help local people who would like opportunities to develop skills and progress.”
If you are interested in learning more about the skills and learning opportunities at Emmaus Salford, you can contact Skills and Employability Support Worker, David, at Support.Salford@emmaus.org.uk.
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