Campaign urges barbers to tackle loneliness by offering free haircuts to elderly men

When we think of Christmas, few of us think of loneliness. No one associates Christmas with loneliness. But it’s an incredibly common problem that can peak during the festive season.

To tackle this silent taboo in the run up to Christmas, barbers around the country are being called to open their doors on 7 December and offer free services and treatments to older men in their communities.

The #ShaveTheDay campaign, in collaboration with Age UK, aims to combat the loneliness felt amongst an increasing number of British male pensioners during the traditionally busy December period. A video has shown the positive impact that a shave and pampering session can have to older gentleman. Filmed at Luke’s Barbershop in Ruislip with TABAC ambassador Luke Dolan, it includes members of The Geezers, a group supported by Age UK, that meet weekly in the Bow area of London and provide social activities for men aged 50 and over in the community who might otherwise be isolated.

Luke Dolan, Owner of Luke’s Barbershop, told us: ‘As our communities change around us, like pubs closing, community centres shutting and halls closing their doors, our habitat is changing and our elderly suffer because of it. ‘Barbershops are opening up at an amazing rate and they have community spirit at their very heart. That’s why I wanted to play my little part in bringing back some of these community values and get people talking to each other, young or old.’ Residents can play a part too by nominating barbers to take part in offering much-needed conversation and complimentary treatments to those who find this time of year isolating.

Ray, Chief Geezer, who has already benefited from the Shave the Day cause, said: ‘The experience of going for a haircut and shave plus a talk with the barbers was an experience that older people welcome as it is interaction with people thereby eliminating loneliness.

‘As many older people feel left out of society, we would encourage all barbers to give older people the opportunity of mixing with local people they wouldn’t meet otherwise.’ Barbershops interested in taking part in #ShaveTheDay can register their interest and download a poster designed to help raise awareness of the cause amongst the local community.

Source: Metro