Plymouth reverend trains as hairdresser to offer free cuts to the most vulnerable residents

  • One customer told ITV News the salon has helped change her life, as Marina Jenkins reports

A community hair salon has opened in Plymouth, offering free appointments to those facing economic or social hardship.

Reverend Darren Middleton opened REV7 in October and has welcomed 40 referrals through its doors already.

The salon, which is on Mutley Plain, has referral days on Wednesdays. Darren is helping some of the most vulnerable in the community.

He is working with charities focused on addiction and rehabilitation, homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health.

Darren said: "We make people feel at home, we pamper them, give them great treatments and haircuts. But we give them that sense of self-esteem.

"The message here is 'you are loved'. For someone who feels the lack of that, it's not just about the haircut, it's about the experience."

After suffering with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, Sharon Williams says REV7 has played a "big part" in helping getting her life back on track.

Sharon Williams says REV7 has helped bring her confidence back. Credit: ITV West Country

Sharon said: "I had more than 20 years of drugs and alcohol [addiction] and I was agoraphobic for seven years. I went down deep into a pit of darkness and it took a lot of years to come back from that, to heal myself.

"The first time I came here, I was full of anxiety and nerves, but it was so welcoming. By the time I left, I felt amazing because they had done a wonderful job with my hair which gave me confidence.

"I can't thank them enough, they were so understanding and so patient with me."

The Methodist Church has put £250,000 towards the project, which will cover some of the costs for five years.

REV7 is collaborating with local organisations in Plymouth, such as Shekinah, Harbour and Little Sanctuary, to ensure that those most in need are connected to the service.

Darren added: "We believe that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, regardless of their situation.

"Through this salon, we aim to not only provide great hair services in a relaxed, safe space but also help foster a sense of dignity, self-worth and kindness throughout our community.

"We can be a listening ear and demonstrate the power of caring about others in a very tangible way.”

  • Find out more about REV7 here