A London charity that runs a uniform swap, foodbank and shop converted its Romford hub into a temporary barbershop to provide free haircuts to children from deprived backgrounds. The event welcomed 19 boys aged four to 16 to help them feel confident when they return to school and to reduce financial strain on families. The charity supports households facing poverty, homelessness and hardship across London and Essex and partnered with local barbers Hairforce1 trainees to deliver the cuts. Government data shows average uniform costs of 442 for secondary and 343 for primary pupils, affecting many families.
A London charity that runs a uniform swap, foodbank and shop became a barbershop for the first time. The Romford hub of S.M.I.L.E. London and Essex invited children from deprived backgrounds to have free haircuts so they feel confident when they return to school. The charity says it provides support to families facing poverty, homelessness and hardship across London and Essex.
When it comes to the cost of uniforms, government data found parents are having to pay 442 on average to kit a child out for secondary school, and 343 for primary school. The Department for Education said lowering uniform costs was a measure in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which aims to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children and put more money back in parents' pockets.
To help with costs, 13-year-old Mohammed Qasim's family visits S.M.I.L.E. regularly. His father Ishtiaq Khan, who has six children, said the haircuts were a huge help. Trainees from local barbers Hairforce1 partnered with the charity. Anderson Boyce, managing director at Hairforce1, said: "These boys are extremely passionate about developing and becoming the best, and opportunities like this just show it. "They get to add something to their skill-set as well as add something to the local community, add value, give back."
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