A few weeks ago, on Monday the 1st of December, I had the pleasure of organising and hosting the third Buckin’ Buzzin’ FREE hair-cut event, located in the winter garden, here at Bucks New Uni in High Wycombe. Spawning from a simple idea in a barber shop, combined with my role as SVO (Student Voice Officer), I’ve been able to create something that is truly remarkable and has become a recognisable, consistently delivering event, open to ALL students at Bucks.
The growth this event has seen since its initial run has been astonishing, and seeing its impact on my fellow students is inspiring and quite surreal. Buckin’ Buzzin’ is a campaign designed to support students’ mental health, specifically men who statistically are more likely to talk to their barber, instead of a therapist, about their mental health. We have accomplished this by providing a free haircut, delivered by top-quality professional barbers and hairdressers sourced from local businesses around the local area. Specifically targeting all students, regardless of gender, race, or age, it offers an opportunity to alleviate some of that financial burden that comes with being a student.
A haircut is one of the most significant and essential features of an individual, and everyone has a preference for how they want to look. Through an easy-to-use booking system, Buckin’ Buzzin’ assists in providing a boost in students' self-esteem by helping them through something as simple as a free haircut, conveniently located at their place of study. This allows students who need it the most, who don't have the time or finances to look after their personal appearance, to do so at no extra effort or cost.
So far, Buckin’ Buzzin has provided services to roughly 110 students across its three runs, saving the students a whopping £4000, with the total likely to be much higher. Even though these figures are only estimates, it's still a fantastic outcome that will only grow as we continue to host more of these events in the uni.