On the 22nd, Mr. Jeong Byeong-pyo, 85, of Ojeong District, Bucheon, expressed his gratitude after receiving a haircut and beauty service at the Welfare Centre for the Disabled in Wonjong-dong, Bucheon.

The centre was transformed into a neighborhood hair salon as volunteers provided haircuts and styling to elderly people with disabilities. Rather than offering standard cuts, volunteers considered each person’s face shape and hair condition before finishing with blow-drying and styling. While waiting, seniors were accompanied by volunteers who talked with them and listened to their everyday concerns.

The Bucheon Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, led by Branch Manager Gyu-chan Kim, organised the service for elderly people with disabilities affiliated with the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Welfare Association for the Disabled. The activity was supported by volunteers with more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, who donated their professional skills to the local community.

The initiative aimed to address the difficulties many elderly people with disabilities face when travelling to hair salons because of mobility challenges. Instead of requiring seniors to travel, volunteers brought the service directly to them.

Ki-ho Kim, chairman of the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Association for the Welfare of the Disabled, highlighted the practical challenges involved, saying, “There were many cases where we had to arrange transportation for elderly people who normally find it difficult to visit hair salons.”

The Shincheonji Volunteer Group has worked in cooperation with the Bucheon Branch of the Gyeonggi Provincial Welfare Association for the Disabled for the past five years. Since beginning the hair and beauty service last month, volunteers have continued to provide support tailored to the needs of elderly people with disabilities.

Beyond haircuts, volunteers also spent time talking with seniors as they waited, asking about their well-being and listening to their stories. The initiative therefore provided not only practical grooming services, but also companionship and personal attention to members of the local community.

Source: vo.la/ZsN51Vq