Cuts for a Cause Raise Cash for Charity

A group of seven Level 3 Barbering students at SERC Lisburn Campus have been marking Men’s Health Month by raising money for a mental health charity.  

The students offered haircuts last Wednesday (26 November) in the reception area of the campus, in exchange for donations to Emerge Counselling. They also sold raffle tickets and refreshments. Any leftover food and drink at the end of the barbering session was passed on to a homeless shelter in Belfast, supporting another good cause.

Local businesses were persuaded to give or sponsor raffle prizes – even envelopes for prize vouchers were donated by a card shop. Student Harvey Tinsley (19) from Lisburn, says this is typical of the community: 

“As it’s for men’s mental health, people have been quite generous. In the barbering community in particular we support each other. We’ve been round the local barber shops and everyone has been very happy to help. We’ve been busier than expected with the cutting, and together with the refreshments and the raffle we should have raised a good amount for Emerge, which is a charity working to reduce suicide and self-harm.” 

The students organised, promoted and hosted the activity as part of the project-based learning element of their Level 3 course, which offers real-life practical experience and helps the development of a range of professional and personal skills.  They are very happy that their venture raised more than £166 for Emerge Counselling.  

In the picture: Barbering tutor Susan Rooney with Level 3 students (l-r): Darby Bisby Millar; Brandon Smith; Brandon Hill; Ethan Doherty; Callum Whiteside; Harvey Tinsley; and Ben Thackray.  Taking the opportunity to get a haircut whilst helping charity are clients Curtis Baxter and Andrew Cassidy.