Words by Smiley Team
Small acts of love can make a big difference – that's the mantra of hairdresser, Joshua Coombes.
He's the founder of Do Something For Nothing, a grassroots movement that focuses on the individual, and how we can all play a part to positively affect the lives of those around us.
Many issues in this world require donations and financial aid, but others are greatly improved simply by sharing our time. It's something Joshua realised one spring evening in 2015.
"I was on my way to a friend’s house after finishing work in the salon," he said. "On the way, I met someone who was homeless at the time. I would often stop to buy him a hot drink or give some pocket change to people.
(Read more about these flapjacks ending homelessness)
“This time was different. While talking, I remembered that I had my hair tools in my backpack and offered him a haircut. We connected and became close afterward. The next time we met, he introduced me to some of his friends.
"Before long I was heading out whenever I could to meet new people on the streets of London and travelling to new cities.”
Joshua began posting transformative images on social media to amplify the voices of those he met and other people began to get involved in their own way. #DoSomethingForNothing was born: a movement that encourages people to connect their skills and time to those who need them.
Today, Joshua continues his efforts, working on the streets in new cities, shining a light on the issue of homelessness globally, and pushing for a better level of care for the most vulnerable.
Across the world, people have joined in with Do Something For Nothing as a way to express their humanity: yoga instructors volunteering in rehabilitation centres, students spending time to have lunch with senior citizens who don’t have a family to visit them, neighbours helping one another with their shopping bags.
Joshua has recently written his first book on the movement, which has been published in the UK, North America, Australia & New Zealand. It features unseen photos of acts of kindness, and 100% of the proceeds are dedicated to not-for-profit art projects to amplify the lives of isolated people.
(Read more about how salon services are being gifted to the less fortunate)
In collaboration with Driving for Change, Do Something for Nothing is also currently trying to raise £15,000, to help London's rough sleeping population.
Your donation will go directly to helping those sleeping on the streets and start them on their journey to a more safe and secure life.
DONATE: Donate money to Joshua's crowdfunder to help the homeless in London.
BUY: Joshua's book to get inspired by the kindness and have your money go straight to charity.
VOLUNTEER: Your time, effort, and generosity by taking part in the Do Something For Nothing movement.
