A barbershop in Ruislip threw open its doors to offer complimentary treatments as part of a campaign to combat loneliness felt by British male pensioners during the festive period.
The Shave the Day campaign, launched by fragrance brand Tabac in aid of Age UK, saw UK barbers nationwide give something back to the older customers and residents who find Christmas particularly isolating.
Luke Dolan, who owns Luke’s Barbershop in Ruislip and who is Tabac ambassador, said the day went really well.
He said: “We had a queue of older gentlemen who wanted cuts and shaves, and we listened to their stories. Even local coffee shops gave cakes and brought teapots. It was a post-war feeling of the community coming together.
“The turnout was bigger than I expected. I think the biggest surprise was having 200 barbers worldwide supporting the campaign, just from promoting it on social media. It was lovely to be part of something worthwhile.”
The East London Geezers, a group supported by Age UK, that meet weekly in the Bow area of London and provide social activities for men aged 50 and over in the community who might otherwise be isolated, also showed up at Luke’s to offer their support.
Ray, Chief Geezer, who has already benefited from the Shave the Day cause, said: “The Geezers Club from East London was invited to be involved in Shave the Day at Luke’s Barbershop. The experience of going for a haircut and shave plus a talk with the barbers was an experience that older people welcome as it is interaction with people, thereby eliminating loneliness.”
Ruth Morgan-Evans, marketing manager of Tabac Fragrances UK, said: “Due to its traditional use, we wanted to ensure that older British men, who perhaps might remember using the product when it was first released, and could be at risk of an isolated Christmas, had the opportunity to enjoy the pampering they deserve.”
Luke donated 50 per cent of the day’s takings to Age UK.
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