A charity taking hairdressing and barber services on the road to local communities has received crucial funding from East Ayrshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund.

Cut and Connect is a mobile luxury hairdressing and barber service established by East Ayrshire Churches Homeless Action (EACHA), offering complimentary haircare and wellbeing services to disadvantaged individuals who may not otherwise have the means to access these.

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Cut and Connect received £95k from the Renewable Energy Fund, funded by Scottish Power Renewables and this has been used to purchase and custom fit a vehicle with quality equipment and barista coffee station offering an inviting, safe, comfortable space for community members to attend and have their hair care needs met.

Staff running the service are trained barbers and hairdressers who will double as active listeners who can signpost customers towards additional support from local providers, if required

Launching on March 4, Cut and Connect will offer a range of quality stylish hairdressing services to attract and suit all ages.

The project will visit 20 locations spanning the length and breadth of East Ayrshire, ensuring broad coverage to main towns and outlying villages. Each location will offer a full day of appointments which will be repeated on a monthly basis.

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Gayle Watson, Trustee, EACHa Cut and Connect said: “The Board is delighted to announce the launch of a new charity which will serve the communities of East Ayrshire - an innovative mobile hairdressing and barber service aimed at providing luxury grooming solutions to support disadvantaged and underserved communities.

“In addition to providing grooming services, the mobile hairdressing initiative will also serve as a platform for community engagement and empowerment.

"This vital service is not just about haircuts – it will serve as a gateway for individuals to be signposted to other services they may require such as recovery support, benefits assistance and housing. 

"We hope to not only transform appearances but empower and uplift communities.”

Councillor Iain Linton, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources and Economy and Chair of East Ayrshire Grants Committee added: “This is an innovative use of our Renewable Energy Fund which will benefit many people in our local communities, particularly those who are elderly, unemployed, have health issues or disabilities or are affected by the isolation issues brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Cut and Connect is a community initiative at heart. It is based on research and discussion with residents across East Ayrshire and is led by members of the community.”

For more information, visit the EACHA website.