Well done to these Chesterfield girls, who've brought joy to homeless Sam
The workers at NJUK Hair and Beauty on West Bars invited Sam Watkinson to the salon for a free haircut after they saw him sleeping rough in the town centre.
Sophie Windsor, a stylist at Viviennes, said: "He was so happy with it.
"He was so grateful - he couldn't have been more thankful.
"Sam doesn't ask for anything.
"He's a sweetheart who is in a really sad position."
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Hide AdThe Derbyshire Times has reported extensively on homelessness in Chesterfield.
Giving her thoughts on the emotive issue, Sophie said: "I think it's really, really awful and I think more needs to be done about it.
"Homeless people are human beings and I think if you walk past someone who's sleeping rough you should stop and have a chat with them.
"It costs nothing but it'll make such a big difference to that person."
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Hide AdThe Derbyshire Times spoke to Sam on the steps of Chesterfield's old Co-op building last year.
At the time, the 29-year-old - who has been homeless for a number of years - said: "I feel so vulnerable sleeping rough.
"Night time is the worst time.
"I can't sleep because I'm worried I'm going to be attacked - or worse.
"I have no idea where my next meal will come from."
Complex personal issues led to Sam sleeping rough.
He said: "Growing up, I didn't think I'd end up in this situation.
"But anyone can become homeless.
"Nobody really knows what's going to happen in their lives.
"You could end up being here one day."
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Hide AdSam has previously been offered accommodation - but it is not always permanent or appropriate.
"In the past I've been offered a place living with an arsonist – so I've ended up back on the streets again," he said.
He added: "Most people are wonderful - and I'd like to say a big thank you to them.
"But some people aren't so kind.
"I've been spat on and called 'a disgusting smackhead' - but I'm not.
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Hide Ad"People are very quick to judge the homeless - they don't stop and ask you for your story."
Despite his current situation, Sam told how he was optimistic about the future.
He said: "I've got to have hope and I've got to keep smiling.
"I'd like to see a hostel for the homeless in Chesterfield.
"I don't want to be like this forever."
â–º If you speak to a rough sleeper, tell them about these organisations which can help them - or contact them directly and tell them about the individual. Your intervention could make a huge difference to a fellow human being's life.
Pathways
120 Saltergate, Chesterfield
01246 498204
The P3 Charity
0115 850 8190
Framework
0115 841 7711