Short Back & Sidewalks launches services in Hedland to deliver free haircuts

There’s no feeling quite like a fresh haircut, something Short Back & Sidewalks strives to achieve while delivering haircuts free of charge and free of judgement. The not-for-profit launched two services in Hedland on November 20 – one at Bloodwood Tree Association and the other at the Youth Involvement Council. After meeting with Hedland community organisations back in September, Short Back & Sidewalks CEO Natalie Jenkins said she was thrilled to be able to launch the haircut services. “We have had great support from the Town of Port Hedland, Horizon Power and local service providers to make it happen,” she said. “But most importantly, the volunteer hairdressers and barbers who give their time and skills to make it all happen.” Volunteering to cut and style hair on the day was Loraini Ratubalavu from Hedland’s Hijacked Barbers. “I have volunteered through World’s Greatest Shave before, so I was eager to do something similar again,” Ms Ratubalavu said. “A highlight from the day is definitely giving back, it’s very warming.” HD Hair Lounge in Port Hedland have also committed to providing a monthly service in Hedland. “The team at HD Hair Lounge were involved in our haircuts at Bloodwood Tree Association for their morning breakfast program,” Ms Jenkins said. “We had about seven or eight people who had their hair cut, which was really fantastic. “At the Youth Involvement Council, we had about seven kids that came for the after school drop-off program.” Ms Jenkins said SBSW uses the power of a haircut to build people’s self-confidence. “It’s transformative in that someone comes away, they feel good about themselves, not just for how they look, but the conversation and the great connection that they’ve had with the hair cutter,” she said. “For a lot of people, it can be transformative in much bigger ways, they might be feeling more confident with relationships or going for job interviews. “Or they could be going for housing appointments, and that helps them to feel self-confident and empowered.”