Short Back & Sidewalks establishes regular service in Victoria

Volunteer haircutter Chloe at a Short Back & Sidewalks service at Sacred Heart Mission, Melbourne.

“Seeing how someone can hold themselves differently from walking into a Short Back & Sidewalks service, compared to when they walk out makes you realise the power of a haircut.”

People experiencing homelessness in Victoria now have access to Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW), with regular services being delivered at Sacred Heart Mission in Melbourne. 

“It's so great to be able to help establish a regular hair cutting service here in Victoria,” said SBSW Victorian State Manager Susan Muller.

The service at Sacred Heart Mission will run monthly and will have a frontline impact on members of the community experiencing homelessness as SBSW moves towards achieving its goal of 15,000 free haircuts a year by 2025.

Sacred Heart Mission coordinator Liu Ponomarew attended last month’s service. She said it was lovely to witness the conversations that took place while people were having their hair cut.

“Most of us probably take these small social exchanges for granted,” she said.

“The social aspect of a hair cutting service is as important as the actual haircut, and one of the reasons why people walk away feeling better about themselves.”

SBSW plans to establish more services as they expand in Victoria.

“We have an amazing volunteer team in Victoria,” said Ms Muller.

“I'm looking forward to growing the team and building stronger positive connections with those in need.”