Barber takes skills to the homeless
WOMAN USES HER FREE TIME TO HELP OTHERS
FEELING alone, lost and broken, homeless people suffer on the streets every day.
Hundreds of people walk past, quickly judging and never giving them a second thought.
But this inspirational barber devotes all her free time to helping the homeless.
After nine years of barbering, every week she uses her talent to cut homeless people’s hair while listening to their problems and giving them support. The 30-year-old student from Byker said: “I love people and helping people. We all need love, someone to talk and someone to be there. The guys on the streets don’t ask to be there, being alone is heartbreaking and you isolate yourself.”
Two years ago, things were very different for Natalie. She found herself in an abusive marriage which left her turning to drugs in desperation.
Natalie hit rock bottom, suffering from depression, anxiety and OCD, meaning she was unable to leave the house.
One night Natalie had a revelation. She woke up the next day and decided that she was going to go out and cut homeless people’s hair. Natalie turned to the Christian faith to help pull herself through her darkest days and her faith has now become very important to her.
Natalie went out to join North East Homeless (NEH), a charity that supports homeless and vulnerable people, including cutting their hair. She added: “Working with NEH helped me build up myself and improve my confidence.”
From this work, Natalie was offered a job opportunity at Big Al’s barbershop, Denton Burn, where she continues to work.
Several homeless people have shown an interest in learning how to cut hair, so Natalie now helps to train them in barbering.
Several weeks ago a member of the public took a photo of Natalie and posted it on social media.
The post received a huge reaction, with thousands of people sharing her inspirational efforts.
Following this, Natalie was invited by Street Angels to go to London to cut homeless people’s hair and says she will continue to do this every month.