In particular, the Community Champion award recognises an individual or team that leads a community-based project that is really making a difference in improving the health and wellbeing of others. The 2023 Community Champion was awarded to Craig Henderson, the Company Director at Craig’s Barber Shop in Bolton.
Craig was nominated by Firwood High school for his work with children at SEND (Special Needs and Disability) schools and nurseries. This involves giving haircuts in a safe and comfortable environment through desensitising the experience for struggling children – this can mean anything from lying on the floor, playing with sensory toys or looking at brightly coloured lights.
‘This award is such a fantastic achievement for me. I was up against some really incredible people in the healthcare sector, and I’m just a small little barber in Bolton who runs a shop in a working-class area. Hopefully, this will inspire more barbers and hairdressers to work with the additional needs community in their owns shops. Everyone deserves a haircut, why should a disability stop people from looking and feeling fantastic?’ Says Craig.
‘Winning this award is proof that the work I’m doing has been recognised by the NHS as valuable asset, which is so important to me. I have future plans of educating people in the industry to understand the process of working with people with neurological issues. I feel that through sharing my knowledge, I can create such a positive impact to many parents and caregivers out there; if I can just take away one piece of anxiety or stress for them, that is such a rewarding feeling.’
To learn more about Craig’s brilliant work, read our interview with him on page 31 of our February issue:
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