Geelong council gives community grant to Hair Aid to fund haircuts for those in need

Geelong council has given a local charity a $5000 chop out, with a city grant to help provide haircuts to those in need

Geelong council has given a local charity a $5000 chop out, with a city grant to help provide haircuts to those in need.

Hair Aid Community Cuts Geelong will get $5198 as part of the city’s 2020-21 Community Grants program worth almost $570,000.

The Hair Aid grant will allow the group to provide haircuts to people in need, including those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, mental health issues or family violence.

Hair Aid founder Selina Tomasich said the grant will support the training of 12 dedicated Geelong volunteers and contribute to the provision of hairdressing tools at four locations.

“Volunteers will provide more than 40 haircuts at each site every six weeks, totalling more than 1200 free cuts over 12 months,” Ms Tomasich said.

“This program will make a huge difference to vulnerable residents within the region, who might be unable to access a hair salon due to financial difficulty, mental health or language barriers or family violence.”

Geelong hairdresser Helen Dunne said there had been an increase in the number of people using the free Hair Aid service since she first started volunteering in 2017.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased demand for free haircuts for members of the community who are having a rough time,” Ms Dunne said.

“It’s really rewarding to see their faces light up when they see their fresh cut for the first time, it really makes a difference to their sense of self.”

Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj said the experience of obtaining a haircut is something many people take for granted.

“Receiving a fresh haircut, which is something everybody should be able to have, at a vulnerable time can offer a much-needed confidence boost, instil dignity and provide a social outlet, which is so important,” Cr Kontelj said.

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Originally published as Geelong council gives community grant to Hair Aid to fund haircuts for those in need