If you were at TEDxManchester 2019, Ged needs no introduction. He is the Mancunian barber on a mission to help make the world a better place one haircut at a time. Growing up in a tough neighbourhood outside of Manchester, Ged found happiness serving in the military. He went on to establish a successful barbershop in Sale but despite his successes, Ged wanted to create a bigger impact in the world around him. So, in 2015, Ged started offering free haircuts to the homeless around Manchester.
His work went on to be featured on BBC Three’s ‘Amazing Humans’ which went viral online. Ged set up the Skullfades Foundation and their activities have grown including provision of food, hygiene kits and addiction counselling.
In 2019 the story has developed even further with the October launch of the Skullfades community barber shop opening in Stretford Mall which is resourced entirely by formerly homeless, ex-military servicemen, former prisoners and care leavers.