A barbers in Derry have shown the true meaning of community spirit with their initiative of free haircuts for those in need coming up to Christmas.
Blade Barber Co, in McGinley's Retail Park, Pennyburn, are currently offering a free haircut service to people who may find themselves short financially or who are seeking social company or struggling mentally.
Already efforts like these are causing a ripple effect with other businesses reaching out and doing what they can to help people in this difficult winter season.
Kevin Galbraith, of Blade Barber Co, spoke to MyDerry about this effort and the local support around it.
He said: "Every year I try to offer some kind of service, whether it is a voucher or a free haircut to help people that are struggling financially or mentally.
"This time of year can be awful for a lot of families that are struggling financially. It isn’t much, it is just a free haircut but we want to do what we can to help people who need it."
This year Kevin and his team are encouraging people to take advantage of his offer, even if it is just for men to get back into a social situation.
Kevin said: "Obviously with Covid-19, mental health has become a huge issue.
"It is even just getting people out of isolation and into social situations. We have had people message wanting to get their sons or whoever in to get a haircut just because they are feeling down and isolated."
It may seem simple, but often going to the barbers is a chance for young men to unwind and discuss things in their personal lives that they may need advice on.
Kevin said: "You would be surprised, there are guys who come in really quiet and after a couple of sessions they really come out of their shell.
"A lot of fellas open up here too, about their relationships or personal things they might want advice with. We can have fun with them but also just listen and offer any advice we can."
Local support for this initiative has been high, as well as Kevin's draw for a year of free haircuts in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue.
Kevin said: "Local support has been brilliant, it has been overwhelming.
"On Saturday I am doing a draw as well for a chance for a year’s free haircuts in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue. A man who came in and gave us £100 had suffered mental health issues himself.
"He did not give his name or anything he just donated the money and that was it. It was so kind.
"We have had so much support and messages it has been overwhelming. It is unbelievable, we can’t thank everyone enough."
Kevin encourages those who may need this free service or know someone who does to message the Blade Barber Co social media pages.
He said: " If you want to avail of the service or know someone who would just message our page. Everything is confidential.
"I know sometimes people would feel embarrassed to ask but that is what it is there for, we are all here to help."
For more Derry news, visit our new site MyDerry.
