The Barbershop Experience is a weekly activity taking place in a custom-built barbershop space on school grounds. While getting a dry cut, students will have the chance to speak to youth workers and barbers.
The 12-week programme aims to combat serious youth violence in the borough by offering young people talking therapy. The Barbershop Experience will be run by youth workers and barbers who will use a cognitive behavioural approach, which helps deal with problems more positively by breaking them down into smaller parts.
Cllr Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Too often, young men face challenges in expressing their emotions and navigating the pressures of life. This project isn’t just about creating a safe space – it’s about taking meaningful action to support them, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
“Barbershops have long been hubs of community, advice, and trust. By bringing this environment into schools, we’re giving young people the tools and confidence to tackle their issues head-on, setting them up for a brighter future and addressing some of the root causes of youth violence and exclusion.”
The programme is organised by Lambeth’s SAFE Taskforce Commissioning Team and is delivered by STEP NOW, a mentoring organisation based in Lambeth.
Public Works designed, built, and installed the barbershops.
The Barbershop Experience is a referral-only programme, for more information contact your schools or the SAFE taskforce team on: SAFEreferrals@lambeth.gov.uk
