Compassionate Cuts

In search of a pair of gents trainers size 9-9.5 if anyone would have anything they’d be willing to pass on to our friend experiencing homelessness.
Ideally somewhere in Ards, North Down and Belfast or Newcastle Co.Down.

Thank you all in advance 🩵

💚 Thankful Thursday 💚

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

To every single person who has sent items from our Amazon wishlist, below is just a small snippet of what has arrived this week.

Alongside everything pictured, we also received at least 15 items from Amazon for our friend currently in hospital, as well as donations dropped to our door and monetary donations that allowed us to purchase anything we were still missing.

Thank you for your continued support, whether that’s helping us keep essential day-to-day supplies stocked or responding to specialised appeals for the individuals we meet through our outreach work.

To everyone who sends monetary donations via PayPal, our website, or any other method, thank you for helping us continue supporting our homeless friends at The Giving Table each Sunday, as well as those we encounter throughout the week who need a helping hand.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide practical support, dignity, comfort, and kindness to those who need it most.

Amazon Wishlist
https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/8OHU3KQ7WDE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_VMKAT2XJPNC1M4DXQ63R

PayPal Donations
https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=W872GH65QGS6J

Website
https://compassionate-cuts.square.site

💚 From all of us at Compassionate Cuts, thank you for making this work possible. We couldn’t do it without you. 💚

Snack Pack Appeal 💚

Imagine it’s late evening. The shops are closing, the temperature is dropping, and you’re facing another night without a place to call home.

Someone stops for a chat and hands you a small bag. Inside isn’t anything extravagant – just a few simple snacks, a drink, something warm to eat later, and the reassurance that someone has thought about you today.

That’s exactly what our snack packs are designed to do.

Throughout June, we’d love to focus on building up our stock of snack packs for The Giving Table and for future pop-up and mobile outreach services. I spend much of my week in Belfast, and there isn’t a day that goes by without meeting someone experiencing homelessness. While I can’t always carry everything a person might need, I’d love to know that I can at least offer a snack pack and a drink to help get them through the night.

This past Sunday we completely ran out of snack packs, which showed just how important they are.

Each snack pack contains everything shown in the image below, along with a bottle of water and a fizzy drink. The total cost to provide one complete pack is just £4.58.

For less than the price of a coffee and cake, you can help someone facing homelessness access a few simple comforts, a little nourishment, and the reminder that their community cares.

If you’d like to support our Snack Pack Appeal, you can donate here:

💚 https://compassionate-cuts.square.site/product/a-little-boost-when-it-s-needed/G63SWLUSBT4CZVFNQYILCQ2S?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=V3QHZTXZPZBV6UJZMLA3LTV5

Or send items directly through our Amazon wishlist:

💚 https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/8OHU3KQ7WDE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_N4YKN3W42Y3WC9X6VTF4

Every snack pack may seem small, but to someone facing a difficult night ahead, it can mean a great deal.

This morning was a bit of a different one as I headed up to Belfast to help a homeless individual with severe hair matting. Of course, this was completely free of charge, as are all of our services for those experiencing homelessness.

This is a service I rarely offer for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it can take hours, especially when the goal is to save as much hair as possible. I normally charge hourly for this type of work, but I hate having to take what can be a substantial amount of money from people who are already struggling emotionally. It’s also incredibly hard, not just on my body, particularly my hands and back, but on the client too. Imagine someone trying to brush, comb, and tease severe matting from your hair. Those little tangles that used to make me huff as a child are truly nothing in comparison to some of the cases I see.

I will always work with the client to try and preserve as much hair as possible, and I don’t bring my scissors near it unless it’s requested.

About three hours into the process, after we had only managed to clear a small section, this individual asked what it would look like if I simply cut the matts out. I explained that it would be short, but that I would keep as much length as possible. I emphasised that it would be similar to a pixie cut, and they replied, “Let’s do it.”

I’m genuinely surprised they managed the three hours of dematting beforehand, particularly considering our salon setup today was a car park. Thankfully, we had a roof over our heads to keep the rain off.

So I got to work carefully cutting out the matting, trying not to cut too close to the scalp so there was still enough hair left to create a style. Another hour later, we were finished. The result was a lovely pixie cut which ended up shorter than they had hoped, but they understood it was the best option available.

As we finished up, I offered some toiletries to the individual, but they seemed pretty disinterested and headed off about their day. To be fair, I’d probably be rushing off too after spending four hours with me. Before they left, I let them know about Sundays and explained that the organisation which arranged today’s appointment could reach out again for another haircut once their hair had grown out a little.

The rest of my evening will be spent packing up the items so kindly donated for our friend who is currently in hospital. I’m due to visit them tomorrow to drop everything off and give them a haircut as well.

I cannot thank you enough for the support you’ve shown this individual. Facing a lengthy hospital stay without family nearby is difficult enough; having the essentials and knowing people care can make all the difference. I’m incredibly grateful that they trusted us enough to ask for help.

At its heart, this work is about showing up for people when they need it most. Whether it’s a haircut in a car park, a hospital visit, or simply taking the time to listen, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Your support makes that possible.

If you’d like to help us continue reaching people in difficult circumstances, you can find all of our support links here:

https://linktr.ee/Compassionatecuts

If this applies to anyone I thought I’d share 🩵

If you are an LGBTQIA+ woman experiencing financial hardship the supermarket voucher scheme is open again!

“Sorry it’s not more.”

This is a phrase I hear far more often than I ever should.

Whether someone is donating a few pounds, dropping off a couple of food items, passing on a coat they no longer need, or sharing one of our posts, there is often an apology attached. And every time, it makes me wish I could reach through the screen and give that person a huge hug.

Because the truth is, every single act of kindness matters.

The sandwich fillings that make it into a lunch pack, the packet of biscuits tucked into a snack bag, the warm coat that helps someone face a cold night, the shampoo in a hygiene kit, the £2 donation that helps buy feminine hygiene products or two bunches of bananas — none of these things are “not enough.” They are exactly what allows us to continue doing what we do.

What many people don’t realise is that support comes in so many different forms.

A share of a post helps us reach someone who may have an item we desperately need.

A tag on a giveaway or marketplace listing can help us source supplies we otherwise couldn’t afford.

A comment or reaction helps more people see our posts.

Telling a friend about Compassionate Cuts or The Giving Table can lead to a new volunteer, donor, supporter, or someone finding help when they need it most.

Every food donation helps fill plates.

Every hygiene item helps restore dignity.

Every pound donated helps us bridge the gaps when supplies run low.

Every share helps us reach further into the community.

The reality is that what we do is not built on a few large acts of generosity. It is built on hundreds of small acts of kindness from ordinary people who care. Those small acts add up to hot meals, hygiene kits, haircuts, emergency support, warm clothing, and practical help for people facing difficult circumstances.

So if you’ve ever donated one item, shared a post, tagged us in something, offered encouragement, volunteered your time, or given a few pounds and followed it with “Sorry it’s not more” — please know that it is already more than enough.

You are part of what makes all of this possible, and we are grateful for every single bit of support.

For anyone who would like to support our work, you can do so through our Amazon Wishlist or PayPal donation page:

Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/8OHU3KQ7WDE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_HACBMR51JWRVFHBC5DYZ_2

PayPal Donations:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8UFV2W34W4NW6

Thank you for helping us continue to support our community, one act of kindness at a time.

The Giving Table – 31.05.26

When we arrived on Academy Street at 2pm, we were strangely met by just one person waiting for us. For a moment, I wondered if it might be a quieter week. It wasn’t long before familiar faces began appearing from all directions, and before we knew it, the table was surrounded by people ready for a catch-up, a warm meal and a friendly chat.

By the end of the afternoon, we had supported 24 callers, well above our usual 18–20 meals and the 12–16 regular faces we would normally expect to see on a Sunday.

On the menu today was homemade butter chicken and rice, served with a choice of Angel Delight or lemon cheesecake for dessert. Sandwiches were ham and cheese or cheese and tomato, alongside our usual well-stocked snack packs and what can only be described as a mountain of pastries and buns for everyone to enjoy.

For some reason, something told me this week to pack extra snack bags, dried fruit, fruit pots and drinks. I am so glad I listened. Not only did we run out of hot food today, but we also ran out of hot water. In fact, by the time we packed up, all we had left were four apricots and a couple of packets of baps. Everything else had gone.

One moment that really stood out was when one of our callers handed his hot meal to another gentleman and took a couple of pot noodles instead, explaining that he had access to a kettle while the other man didn’t. Such a simple act of kindness, but one that says so much about the people we meet every week.

With numbers continuing to grow, it looks like we’ll be adding a few extra meals to next week’s preparations.

This week also saw a complete refresh of our clothing crates, and it was so lovely to see everyone finding something they needed. There were plenty of smiles as people looked through the crates and bags, and I headed home with a much emptier van, ready to fill it all up again for next Sunday.

Our friend who has recently been rehoused also popped by to see us today. Even though it was his birthday, he wanted to stop in for a chat while he had the chance. As he’d told us last week he wouldn’t be around, I didn’t have the little bits and pieces I’d put aside for him, but he’s more than happy to wait until next week.

The atmosphere today was fantastic. There was lots of laughter, plenty of joking around and some really lovely conversations. Those moments of normality and connection are every bit as important as the food and practical support.

We were also able to hand out little sachets of suncream today. Such a small item, but something easy to carry in a pocket and incredibly useful when needed. Everyone was genuinely appreciative of them.

A few thank yous this week…

First up, a huge thank you to Brownie Barn for sponsoring this Sunday’s outreach and funding the meals, desserts and any little extras needed for the snack packs. They also provided additional funding so we could purchase feminine hygiene products for the ladies we support. Your continued support means so much to us, and we cannot thank you enough.

Thank you also to Jenna from Olio, who once again treated our callers to an incredible collection of goodies. Everything was very gratefully received and thoroughly enjoyed.

To the very kind lady who stopped by as we were packing away with some wonderful donations, thank you. Everything will be greatly appreciated and quickly put to good use. Our two gentlemen who were still chatting as we packed up were delighted to head off with some hot chocolate and tissues too. We’re sorry we didn’t catch your name.

To everyone who sends items from our Amazon Wishlist, thank you. Your support helps us keep snack bags, drinks and essential supplies stocked up, as well as toiletries for our free haircut service. It makes a huge difference to our running costs and allows us to focus our spending on fresh food, fruit and sandwich ingredients each week.

And finally, to everyone who makes a monetary donation, thank you. Your generosity allows us to fill any gaps, purchase fresh ingredients and ensure we can continue turning up every Sunday. Without your kindness, none of this would be possible.

If you would like to support Compassionate Cuts in any way, you can find our website, donation links and Amazon Wishlist here:

https://linktr.ee/Compassionatecuts

As always, thank you for helping us make sure nobody leaves empty-handed.

Just a quick message today as I have a to-do list as long as Dolores and still a few appointments to get through this afternoon.

I’ve updated the list for our friend experiencing homelessness who is now facing a lengthy stay in hospital. Below is an updated breakdown of what we already have, what has been kindly offered, and what we are still searching for.

As mentioned last night, this individual really feels the cold, so warm and comfortable items are especially appreciated.

I’ve also updated the Amazon Wishlist with suitable items for anyone who would like to help but doesn’t have anything at home to donate. The items can be found under Special Requests / Emergency Appeals. Alternatively, donations can be made via PayPal — please simply write “Hospital Stay” in the comment/message box so we can ensure the funds are directed appropriately.

Items Received ✔️

• Shoes (size 5.5/6) – to collect
• Hair dryer – to collect
• 3 tins of Heinz vegetable soup – provided from storage
• Black scarves – provided from storage
• Gloves – provided from storage
• Hats – provided from storage
• Shampoo – provided from storage
• Conditioner – provided from storage
• Body wash – provided from storage
• One set of pyjamas/dressing gown – to collect
• Simple facial moisturiser with SPF 50 – provided from storage

Still Needed

Warm, comfortable clothing (XS/S):
• 1–2 additional sweatshirts
• Long-sleeved thermal tops
• Trousers
• Joggers
• Leggings

Other items needed:
• Warm coat
• Jacket
• Black cap
• 1–2 additional sets of pyjamas/loungewear
• Bed jacket

Thank you so much to everyone who has already helped. The support received so far is greatly appreciated and will make a real difference during what is a very difficult time. 💚

Amazon Wishlist (Special Requests / Emergency Appeals):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/8OHU3KQ7WDE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_3218HRN0R1F4ZVP5F9SC

PayPal (please write “Hospital Stay” in the comment/message box):
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8UFV2W34W4NW6

Good evening everyone,

One of our homeless friends has sadly been admitted to hospital and currently only has the clothes they arrived in, with no family or support network around them to help.

They’ve asked if we may be able to gather a few essentials to drop off, and hopefully arrange a haircut for them while I’m there too.

Thankfully we already have quite a few items from their list, which is amazing, but there are still a few things we’re looking for. If anyone has any of the items below they’d be willing to donate to help make this individual’s hospital stay a little more comfortable, we would be incredibly grateful.

Please note this individual feels the cold more than most, so warmer items would be especially appreciated.

• Warm, comfortable clothing in size XS/S
• Long-sleeve thermal tops in size XS/S
• Shoes in size 5.5/6
• A hair dryer
• Black coat or jackets
• Pyjamas, dressing gown, cosy bedtime clothing/jammies
• Black baseball cap

Thank you so much for always showing such kindness and compassion to those who need it most 💚

A little behind the scenes update from us 💚

Jack has very kindly taken over managing the Amazon wishlist for Compassionate Cuts. He was already in charge of packing our snack packs and hygiene kits, as well as opening and organising all the Amazon parcels that arrive, so it just made sense for him to manage the wishlist directly too. Instead of having to make lists of shortages for me to update, he can now add things as and when we need them.

I’m still trying to get him to remember to photograph everything that arrives so I can do weekly thank you posts and show you all the kindness that comes through our doors 😅

The three of us already use a group chat constantly anyway, so whenever we’re out at Academy Street or speaking to people in the community, we drop needs and shortages into the chat. It means if one of us forgets something, the other two usually remember. It honestly helps keep everything running smoothly.

The wishlist really needed updated to reflect what we actually need right now. Our store cupboard staples for preparing meals are starting to run low, and our snack pack supplies are disappearing quickly too. Over the next few weeks Jack is hoping to bulk-pack snack packs so they’re ready to grab and go, similar to how we prepare our hygiene and toiletry packs.

Having things pre-packed makes such a difference. It’s easier to store, easier to organise and makes responding to people so much quicker when support is needed urgently.

Jack has also reorganised all the wishlist sections to better match what the items are actually used for… apparently it makes much more sense now 😂

Thankfully we are very well sorted for this week’s meals and goodies thanks to The Brownie Barn kindly sponsoring this Sunday 💚

If you’d like to help Jack build up our snack pack supplies, you can shop our Amazon wishlist here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/registries/gl/guest-view/8OHU3KQ7WDE?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_HACBMR51JWRVFHBC5DYZ_2

If you’re unsure what to buy, we’ve also added Amazon gift cards which allow us to purchase the items we may suddenly run short of.

As always, thank you for helping us keep going.