Volunteer Work: Barber Angels Brotherhood e.V., Hannover Chapter
Unleashing Dignity: The Barber Angels Brotherhood's Selfless Endeavor
Since 2016, the Barber Angels Brotherhood, founded by Claus Niedermaier, has been volunteering their barbering skills to the homeless and needy in Hannover. This organization, with cost-free haircuts, bestows more than just a fresh style; it bestows dignity, companionship, and a glimmer of hope.
"Many of our guests don't even look at us because they believe they no longer belong," Mirko Brinkmann says, a heavy seriousness in his voice. Brinkmann, a trained social worker and Centurion of the Hannover Chapter, knows of what he speaks. For years, he has organized the outreach sessions of the Barber Angels, providing free haircuts to those in social institutions in Hannover – and encountering stories that resonate deeply.
The idea began about ten years ago in Biberach. Claus Niedermaier, a Frisóir himself, co-founded the organization with ten friends with a mission to offer more than just groomed appearances to people on society's margins; they aimed to bestow newfound optimism. Today, the movement has grown to over 600 active Barber Angels across Europe, South America, and now for the first time, in South Africa.
Hannover's outreach sessions typically take place on Sundays to minimize the burden on participating barbers who have professional commitments. "I am eternally grateful for the immense dedication of my team. When they jump in, there's no holding them back," Brinkmann laughs. "I have to remind them sometimes to take a drink or a break." For the Barber Angels, each haircut is a heartfelt, eye-level endeavor. "We call our clients guests. They aren't customers, but they belong with us. At least for this moment."
These moments are often intensely emotional. Guests frequently speak during the haircut about their lives, about heartbreaks, about losses, about downfalls that have led them to their current situations. "One of our guests was once a surgeon. After his wife died, he turned to drinking and eventually lost everything," Brinkmann recounts. "It happens quicker than one thinks, and it can strike anyone." The guests who attend the Barber Angels' outreach sessions reflect the entire spectrum of society. "All ages are represented, from the youngest child to the 96-year-old woman. Every profession and every educational background."
The biggest event the Barber Angels participate in is the annual Christmas festival at the HCC. Over 450 guests are served by around 50 barbers from all over Germany on that day. Additionally, children from financially disadvantaged families receive small Christmas gifts. "One of our guests brings tiny chocolate angels every year and often spends barely any money to thank us," Brinkmann shares. Such moments, Brinkmann says, deeply impact the team.
Since the work of the Barber Angels touches hearts, a traveling exhibition has recently been launched. This exhibition, "Images of Change," showcases the stories of the Barber Angels' guests before and after their transformation, as well as the emotional metamorphosis in between. Anyone interested can request this exhibition to be displayed in cultural centers or companies, thereby contributing to raising awareness of social inequality. "Change can only be effected when one recognizes that there is a problem," Brinkmann emphasizes.
Donations are always welcome. The Barber Angels welcome financial assistance and new, passionate barbers to their ranks. They also seek supporters for logistics, such as transporting equipment. "We often travel with our private vehicles. A Sprinter for a day would be worth its weight in gold." Requested as well are material donations, such as toothbrushes, shower gel, headbands, or incontinence aids. Such items enable Goodie Bags to be filled for the Barber Angels' guests to receive following their haircut. The contents are always tailored to meet the unique needs of the various guests. "Our guests grow older, and their needs change over time."
"A haircut cannot change a life, but it can change a moment. And sometimes, change begins right there," Brinkmann reiterates. "When someone after years looks at themselves in the mirror, recognizes themselves – perhaps for the first time in a long while with pride – then we understand why we do what we do."
For more information about the Barber Angels Brotherhood, please contact:
Barber Angels Brotherhood e.V., Chapter HannoverTel.: 01575 8095880E-Mail: [email protected]: @barberangelsbrotherhood / @barberangelshannoverFacebook: @Barberangelsbrotherhood
Bank Account Information:Volksbank BiberachAccount Holder: Barber Angels Brotherhood e.V.IBAN: DE22 6309 0100 0115 1160 01Please specify: Barber Angels Brotherhood e.V. - Donation
- The Barber Angels Brotherhood's social media accounts, such as Instagram (@barberangelsbrotherhood / @barberangelshannover) and Facebook (@Barberangelsbrotherhood), share stories and updates about their home-and-garden projects, entertainment events, general news, and even crime-and-justice initiatives that impact their guests.
- As the Barber Angels Brotherhood's movement expanded across Europe, South America, and now South Africa, they have increasingly focused their attention on lifestyle matters that promote dignity and optimism for those on society's margins, including home-and-garden transformations and entertainment events.
- In addition to offering cost-free haircuts, the Barber Angels Brotherhood is working on broadening their influence through various channels, such as general news outlets, social media, and even crime-and-justice forums, to raise awareness about social inequality and the importance of providing companionship and a glimmer of hope to individuals in need.
