A BARBERSHOP is offering haircuts by donation to a local youth charity.

Shoreham Barber's Bladez in Brunswick Road is teaming up with Esteem to raise money to help young adults.

Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, the barbershop has been giving free haircuts to homeless people and those struggling financially in the area.

They are now extending their charitable arm. On Sunday, between 10am and 2pm, Bladez will be giving out haircuts in return for donations to support young people in the community.

​Kemal Akdag, owner of Bladez, said: "I like to help Esteem because they are helping young people with their mental health and wellbeing; it is so important.

"It is about making a difference for others, and Esteem is our local charity, so it's good to help out the community."

Kemal's family also has another Bladez barbers' branch in Worthing, and both barbers take on students from colleges in Brighton and Worthing to help train them.

The Argus: Bladez Barbers are donating haircuts to ESTEEM.Bladez Barbers are donating haircuts to ESTEEM.

Esteem is a Sussex-based charity that offers young adults aged 14-26 opportunities to develop their confidence. The charity does this by providing relevant volunteering experience throughout all elements of the organisation.

Cat Vizor, chief officer, said: "Esteem and all the people involved in our youth organisation are an integral part of Shoreham life.

"We have seen a significant rise in unemployment and mental health issues amongst young people during the pandemic, both within Esteem and nationally.

"We must pull together, with businesses like Bladez, to enable young adults to flourish in their community."

From 2017 to 2020, there has been a 50 per cent increase in probable mental health conditions among young people. T this is an increase of one in nine to one in six people.