18/10/2025
Beautiful!
โจ Refilled, Recharged, and Reminded Why I Do This โจ
Every time I leave an outreach session, I feel so full of energy โ itโs as if putting a smile on someoneโs face recharges me.
Tonight at The Long Table Belfast was nothing short of phenomenal. We had three lovely ladies booked in โ such a pleasure to chat with and hear snippets of their stories. Two tidy-ups and one big transformation later (she looked amazing with her new โdo!), I barely had time to breathe before a few gents asked if I could fit them in for a haircut or shave. Of course, I said yes!
Before I knew it, six haircuts were done, countless conversations were had, and suddenly it was 7pm and time to pack up.
A few of our visitors were experiencing homelessness, so I made sure they left with fresh socks, hats, gloves, and some hand and foot warmers โ all gratefully received. One gent couldnโt decide between fluffy or regular socks, so I sent him off with both. Itโs the least I could do. ๐
I also had a great chat with one man about my plans for getting a van to provide regular outreach โ offering haircuts, toiletries, and warm essentials right where theyโre needed. He was genuinely excited, even giving me a contact for someone working on a similar idea so we could connect. We spoke about how my own experience of homelessness inspired Compassionate Cuts, and he shared that heโs hoping to start volunteering to help others in his situation. Before leaving, he said, โYou might not realise it, but what youโve done tonight is massive. Thank you.โ
Two gents even helped sweep up between cuts โ a small act that meant the world when things were non-stop for two hours straight.
The atmosphere tonight was filled with joy: people celebrating sobriety milestones, new homes, volunteer roles, and hope for whatโs ahead.
On my way back to the bus station, I spotted a small group sitting where Iโd seen them earlier. They told me they were homeless, so I offered the last of my hand warmers. Their gratitude was overwhelming โ one gent was thrilled to know heโd have a few hours of warmth tonight. Moments like that remind me why I always bring extras.
And to top it all off โ I somehow caught an earlier bus home without even realising! I must have power-walked, handed out warmth, and been in the right place at exactly the right time. Someone was definitely looking out for me tonight.
After a challenging week, this evening at The Long Table gave me the joy and perspective I needed. ๐
๐ Want to Get Involved? Hereโs How:
๐โโ๏ธ Book a haircut that makes a difference โ Iโm offering home visit appointments across Newtownards, Bangor, Donaghadee, Groomsport, Dundonald, and Belfast. Every trim helps fund free haircuts and care for those in need.
๐ฌ Share this post โ awareness is powerful.
๐ฅ Tag a community group, church, or school that might like a visit or talk.
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๐ Letโs keep the wheels turning and the kindness flowing. Belfast, here I come! ๐โ๏ธ