Location: St Vincent’s Centre, Carlisle Place, London, SW1P 1NL
Commitment: Once a fortnight or once a month
Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 12.00pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Please note:
- Applicants must be 18 years old or over
- We will ask for personal references
Find out more:
About this volunteer role
At The Passage, treating people with dignity is central to everything we do. Many men using our services can experience low confidence and mood, often linked to not being able to maintain their hair or appearance in the way they would like. Access to haircuts and styling can have a powerful impact on confidence, wellbeing, and self‑worth.
We are seeking a skilled and compassionate volunteer barber who is confident cutting and styling Afro Hair. This role responds directly to feedback from those using our services, who have asked for access to barbers they feel comfortable with.
We have chairs and capes available, but volunteers will need to bring their own cutting and styling equipment.
You will provide haircuts and basic styling in a calm, respectful, and non‑judgemental environment. You’ll take time to listen to what each person wants and provide a professional service that supports dignity, choice and comfort.
We are committed to creating a safe and non‑judgmental environment for everyone at The Passage, regardless of who they are. Volunteers are expected to understand and uphold this commitment by treating people who use our services, fellow volunteers, visitors, and staff with respect at all times.
Main duties
You’ll deliver a professional, personalised hair‑cutting and grooming service.
- Speak with each client to understand the style or cut they would like
- Provide a professional, respectful and supportive service at all times
- Carry out clipper cuts with blending, and scissor cuts where preferred
- Offer beard, moustache, eyebrow, and ear/nose hair trims
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and follow all health & safety practices
Desired qualities and experience
Essential requirements:
- Aged 18 or over
- Holds a current Public Liability Insurance policy
Skills and attributes:
- Skilled in cutting and styling Afro hair
- Owns hair‑cutting and styling equipment
- Friendly, patient and confident communicator, who can listen to and understand client preferences
- Reliable, with good time‑keeping skills
How we will support you
All volunteers benefit from:
- An introduction to homelessness, personal and professional boundaries, and equality, diversity and inclusion
- Ongoing support from our friendly staff
- Opportunities to learn more about homelessness and the challenges faced by people using our services
- Flexible shift times and a wide variety of volunteer roles
- Reimbursement of travel expenses
Volunteers are essential to The Passage and our success. Our team of volunteers add tremendous value to our services.
Any questions?
For questions about the role or the application process, please take a look at our Volunteering FAQ’s.
Alternatively, you can contact us via email or phone 020 7592 1850 (9am – 4pm, Mon – Fri)