Gosport barbershop set to offer free haircuts to key workers as soon as it can reopen
FREE haircuts will be available for key workers at a Gosport barber shop, as staff want to give something back when they can reopen.
In a bid to give something back to people working hard through the coronavirus crisis, The Gentry Barbershop in Gregson Avenue has vowed to open its doors to key workers for free on a few Sundays.
Staff want to donate their time and services as a special thank you to key workers including medical staff, bus drivers, shop workers, teachers and more.
Owner Tracey Mitchell said: ‘I thought it would be nice to let people know that whether they live in Portsmouth or Gosport or wherever, we will be open on Sundays for them.
‘It’s just to give something back to them because everyone needs their hair cut. Even if they don’t want a haircut they can come in and have a coffee.
‘For the people that are still working out there, the least we can offer is a haircut for a bit of a feelgood factor.’
There will be three barbers working on these Sunday sessions, which could go on for a few weeks if they prove popular among key worker staff.
The barber shop, which has been open for 10 years, has been working to become a safe place, with staff undertaking mental health training.
Staff were due to host a Men’s Minds Matter event on April 26 with donations going to Mind, but this had to be cancelled because the shop is shut due to government guidance.
Tracey added: ‘We’re trying to be a little bit more than just a barbershop.
‘We can’t do anything else to help these guys at the moment for what they’re doing and putting themselves on the line for every one of us.
‘It would be lovely for all these people to know they’re appreciated and just to know that people do care.’
Workers will be welcome to come along, have a haircut, enjoy a coffee or just meet other key workers.
Tracey told The News: ‘I can’t wait until we can do it all, it’s going to be exciting. I’m passionate about what I do and my shop being a lovely community.’