A hairdresser is teaming up with a charity to give homeless people in the borough free haircuts once a month.

Kim Dann will be joining forces with Sittingbourne-based the Bus Shelter Kent Project to try and help people less fortunate than herself in Swale.

The 33-year-old currently runs her own mobile hair business, as well as working at Capelli Salon in Sheerness, but is offering a free chop at the beginning of each month.

She said: “I originally saw the charity pop up on Facebook and after taking a look I thought it was such an amazing thing and I just instantly wanted to be involved and give something back.

“I initially contacted someone from the project with my proposal and then one of the directors Elaine Maylen Allen got in contact with myself and said how grateful she would to have me visit once a month.

“I’m not sure how busy I will be, but the less the better I suppose as it will mean no-one is struggling. If I do one haircut in my time there each month I will be happy as I know how greatly received it will be.”

Kim has been working in the industry since the age of 15 where she started as a “Saturday girl” at a Minster salon, before completing NVQ and diploma qualifications at college.

'I’m looking forward to making a difference...'

The Sheppey born hairdresser has lived in Sittingbourne since 2014 where she now runs her own business.

Kim, of Rosewood Close, added: “Last Christmas many families and people in England experienced the worst forms of homelessness.

“Many people already living with financial pressures were made worse by the coronavirus pandemic and have been pushed over the brink into homelessness and finding themselves sleeping on the streets, hunkered down in sheds and garages, stuck in unsuitable housing or sofa surfing.

“I’m looking forward to making a difference.”

Kim will be doing the haircuts for people at Phoenix House in Central Avenue, Sittingbourne, with her first day on Thursday, with dates following between September and December.

In September she will join the team on Monday, September 6, and again on Monday, October 4, and Thursday, November 6.

In December Kim will offer the free haircuts on Monday, December 6. Every month she will be open from 10am to midday.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne