Jules

Volunteer Hairdresser, Western Australia

“I’ve been volunteering with Short Back & Sidewalks for probably about 3 years now. I love it, I absolutely love it. It’s literally changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to connect with all different people and make a difference. Once they sort of feel confident with you, then they start to open up and start chatting. The most rewarding thing for me is when I’ve finished and they give me the biggest smile and they say thank you so much.”

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Aaron D’Vaz

Youth Worker, Passages, Western Australia

“We often see homeless young people prioritising matters that need immediate attention. As our clients [at Passages] are extremely transient and vulnerable, they are often focused on accommodation and food needs. This means things like their appearance take a back seat.

I feel Passages are very lucky to collaborate with a service like Short Back & Sidewalks as it fills a gap and provides an awesome vibe in the facility when they visit. I notice, firsthand, the improvement in clients’ moods and general wellbeing after receiving a haircut from the crew at Short Back & Sidewalks. Young people often compliment each other on their new looks and the positive energy in the service on those days is a nice change and distraction for those facing turmoil on a daily basis.

One of our young people is currently transitioning from female to male and was lucky enough to receive a haircut from SBSW and was elated with his new look. He returned later to communicate that he had been called ‘sir’ and seen as a male for one of the first times in his journey.

I think it’s a perfect collaboration. Passages has the space and the clients with the need and Short Back & Sidewalks are able to fill a gap that otherwise would not be considered as pertinent to a young person’s happiness & wellbeing.”

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Michael

Client, Western Australia

“I feel lucky to get a free haircut. Not many people can just come and get a cut when they want.I always feel fresh and happy [after a haircut with Short Back & Sidewalks]. It makes my day, I’ve always got a big smile.

I can tell when my mates have had haircuts [with Short Back & Sidewalks]; they leave with a smile and we check each other in the mirror. We’re all like ‘Yeah, yeah, look at my new cut,’ we all get excited. You don’t see those smiles too often, they’re hard to get.

I’ve got a picture [that Short Back & Sidewalks] took framed on my wall at home, it’s a good reminder for me.”

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