Dundee’s homeless offered free meals and haircuts

Taught By MuhammadVolunteers, charities and businesses in Dundee have been offering their help to the city’s rough sleepers in the run up to Christmas.

Young volunteers teamed up with charity Taught By Muhammad to help cook a three course meal for both homeless and socially isolated people in Dundee’s Menzieshill.

The children prepared a curry, pasta and desert for people to enjoy.

According to volunteer and Taught By Muhammad operations manager Rizwan Rafik, the youths involved are an “inspiration”.

Rizwan told The Courier: “A lot of people look forward to the food because it’s the one time of the month they get a curry and a hearty meal.

“It’s a chance for them to come and enjoy a meal and some company.

“There are people who are hungry and sometimes this is the only meal they get a day.

“The reaction is amazing and it builds bridges and new friendships.

“It’s important for the young people involved with us to understand what is going on in their community, what social injustices are taking place.

“It was actually them who said they wanted to do this and take the opportunity to go and serve people, which is quite inspirational.”

The young volunteers say they were more than happy to give up their time to help their fellow Dundonians.

Mariem Eshawi said: “I wanted to help because we all have some meals and the homeless people, they don’t.

“It’s important that they have a meal just like any other people.

“It’s nice to help out and to help other people around you who don’t have meals. It’s a really nice feeling.”

Rimsha Tahir added: “If I was homeless I would want people to do the same for me and help me.

“It’s important for us to keep doing this and try to help people.”

Meanwhile more than 50 homeless people took advantage of free haircuts offered by a Dundee salon.

Cuts and Colours, off Lyon Street, opened its doors to those who would otherwise be priced out of getting their hair cut.

The idea was supported by Sainsbury’s and Howdens Joinery, who donated sweets, coffee and biscuits, while members of the public handed in clothes. Staff gave these out as festive goody bags to the homeless.

Kim Deans, who runs the salon with Aaron Grubb, told The Courier: “It was a good turnout but I would have liked more people to have got their hair cut but they may have felt uncomfortable about coming in because they are not used to getting something for free.”

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