Free haircuts thanks to Inky and the Mane

Free haircuts with Inky and the Mane

Free haircuts thanks to new partners, Inky and the Mane

A BIG thank you to GCP’s new hairdressing partners, Inky and the Mane who will be joining us every other Wednesday, providing free haircuts for our Members and people attending Open Door meals.   

People didn’t have to wait long for a cut and everyone was delighted with the results.

Abdul and Dylan enjoyed a catch up whilst waiting and Suzanne was very happy with her cut,

‘Rasan was very attentive and concentrated on his cutting.’ 

In addition to the monthly haircuts, this new partnership will bring other benefits to our Grassmarket community.

Derek, GCP’s Learning and Development Manager, explains,

‘Our members can link into hairdressing via the apprenticeship route. They can shadow the team, maybe help out and see what it’s like to be a barber.

‘The partnership will be invaluable for our young members.’  

Inky and the Mane started in November 2023, with an ethos that fits so well alongside GCP’s own.

Inky and the Mane’s bright, spacious salon and tattoo studio on Calton Road focuses on inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Manager Lee, talks about their approach,

‘We want to spread joy in the community and are keen to give back.’

Lee first heard about the Grassmarket Community Project through a summer Fringe Show and Coffee Saints at St James Quarter,

‘Everyone is always so welcoming and very friendly. It’s great we can come here to help.’ 

 This was Assistant Manager Johnny’s first-time doing outreach work, and his first visit to the GCP,

It’s brilliant so many people have turned up. There is even a sink in the room so we can wash hair!’

He was really enjoying himself, as was stylist Rasan,

‘I was offered the experience to come here and I took it and so far so good. It’s a brilliant community. I look forward to coming back a second time to see people and find out how they are getting on. It’s been a pleasure.’ 

Thank you  Inky and the Mane we’ll see you again in a couple of weeks!

Sharing meals together

Every Wednesday evening, GCP opens its doors to feed anyone in the city who needs a meal. Our Open Door Meals is an essential service. In 2023 alone, we served over 2000 meals.

In addition to our daily Members lunches, members and volunteers get together for Souper Thursdays, which can be accompanied by a quiz, snooker and table tennis, plus occasional guest entertainers.

And of course, anyone can come and eat at our fabulous Coffee Saints cafes.

Both cafes are social enterprises so every breakfast, lunch or coffee you buy helps support GCP in its support of those who need it most.

Fund and Sponsor GCP Member Activities

How to support GCP

Please help us to keep providing support and opportunities to vulnerable people. There are various ways you can support our community. You can donate, fund or sponsor, support our social enterprises and volunteer.

Donate >>   
Fund and Sponsor >>

Support our Social Enterprises

Wood Workshop >>
Tartan Shop >>
Event Hire Service >>
Visit Coffee Saints >>

AND follow, like and share on our Socials

A BIG THANK YOU

The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.

Nationwide Building Society Community Grants
The Robertson Trust
EVOC logo
ScotGov Logo