One haircut at a time: Eddie Ilic's nearly decade-long connection with Alongside
- kellyjaynemurray
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Nearly a decade ago, Eddie Ilic began providing free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness at what was then Julian House.
Eddie has since told us that Julian House, now Alongside, was the first hostel where he provided haircuts. Today, Eddie is still giving his time to people using Alongside’s services, most recently at our new Bath Day Centre.
During those years, Eddie’s Street Cuts has grown, Julian House has become Alongside and Eddie has recently received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University in recognition of his contribution to social inclusion.
Yet the thing that brings Eddie and the people he meets together remains seemingly ordinary: a haircut.
As Eddie cuts someone’s hair, there is time to talk, listen and get to know each other, and over time those everyday conversations can grow into trust and genuine human connection.
Where it started
Eddie founded Eddie’s Street Cuts around nine years ago, offering free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness in Bath and Bristol.
The idea came after he volunteered on a soup run in Bath and noticed that some of the people he met had gone a long time without being able to have their hair cut. As a hairdresser, it was something practical he knew he could offer.
Eddie has continued working with Julian House, now Alongside, ever since.
“Alongside has been the main hub for Eddie’s Street Cuts from the very beginning, so it will always be a special place for us. It’s been a real privilege for our team to give back alongside you over the years.”
More than what we see in the mirror
For many of us, getting a haircut is an ordinary part of life. We decide when we need one, where we want to go and how we would like our hair to look.
When someone is experiencing homelessness or going through a period of crisis, those everyday routines can become much harder to maintain.
Hair is personal too. How we wear it can be part of how we see ourselves and how we choose to present ourselves to other people.
Sitting in Eddie’s chair gives someone space to make that choice for themselves. They might want their usual style, something different or simply a trim.
For that time, they are a person having their hair cut.
A chance to sit, talk and connect
There is also time in the chair to talk. There is no expectation that someone needs to explain what is happening in their life. People can talk about what matters to them, something that happened that week, football, family or nothing particularly important at all.
And when Eddie and his team return, familiar faces return too. Conversations can continue and friendships can develop.
As Eddie explains, that connection goes both ways.
“Our guests are always excited to see us for a fresh haircut, but honestly, we look forward to seeing them just as much. It’s the smiles and friendships we’ve built that keep us coming back.”
“Seeing the difference something as simple as a haircut and a bit of time together can make is what Street Cuts has always been about. Really grateful for all the support you’ve given us over the years.”
Lived experience and recovery
Eddie has spoken openly about experiencing addiction from a young age and his recovery from drugs and alcohol.
He describes giving back to others as an important part of staying well and says Street Cuts keeps him grounded, grateful and connected to his purpose.
The person in the chair decides what they want to share. Sometimes a haircut can simply be a haircut.
Nearly a decade later
This summer, Eddie received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University for social inclusion.
Eddie was quick to share the recognition with the people around him, thanking the volunteers who have given their time alongside him and the people who have trusted Eddie’s Street Cuts over the years.
Now, nearly a decade after those first hostel haircuts, Eddie’s relationship with Alongside continues at our new Bath Day Centre.
He is still turning up with his clippers, sitting alongside people and making time for whatever conversation happens in the chair.
As Eddie said after receiving his honorary doctorate:
“The work carries on. One haircut at a time.”
Congratulations, Eddie, and thank you to everyone at Eddie’s Street Cuts for continuing to give your time to people using Alongside’s services.
