Craig's Barber Shop owner given prestigious community award

Craig Henderson, 36, is known across the borough for his work cutting the hair of children with autism either at his barber shop on Tonge Moor Road which is often labelled a ‘safe’ space or at various schools in Bolton.

And now at an awards event, Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards hosted by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, on Thursday July 13, Craig won the Community Champion Award, and he said it has left him feeling ‘overwhelmed’.

He said: “I won the Community Champion Award at the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards hosted by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.

“I feel overwhelmed by it all really, as I am probably one of the only hairdressers or barbers to have won it relating to an award from the NHS.

• Also read: Barber creates sensory area in new bigger shop to help children with autism

“So, it is nice that the work I am doing at Firwood School, who nominated me, and other schools, is being recognised.

“I help kids desensitize to getting a haircut and the schools I work with are all children with additional needs such as autism, I work with a broad spectrum of children with a different need, and I help them desensitize to getting a haircut as I understand the process of getting a haircut and needing it cutting in a safe and controlled place.

Craig cutting hair (Image: Craig Henderson)

“I do it at my shop as well as going out and helping children with additional needs too at a range of schools.”

Reflecting on his award, Craig said he is looking to the future.

He said: “In the future I would just like to keep making a difference and hopefully more people in the hair industry take on more people with additional needs and help serve the community more because they are part of our community, and we should be able to look after them.”

The coveted awards took place at Manchester’s Football Museum hosted by TV presenter and Manchester-born, Michelle Ackerley.

Over 500 people were nominated for 13 categories including Community Champion, Volunteer Champion and People’s Champion.

Sir Richard Leese, Chair of NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board, said: “It is an honour to hear of the fantastic work that happens across our health and care system every day. It’s so important that we take the time to recognise the commitment and dedication of our colleagues.

• Also read: Bolton: Craig's Barber Shop helping children with autism

“As many of us have been celebrating 75 years of the NHS this month, it seems particularly poignant to express our pride and appreciation for the skill and compassion of our employed and unwaged workforce who care for our patients and their families often in challenging circumstances.

“A huge congratulations to all of our winners – well deserved.”

Community Champion Craig Henderson (Image: Elizabeth Barker Photography)

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to celebrate our champions in health and care here in Greater Manchester.

“I was delighted to present Barbara, Jill, Mary and Brenda with my Mayor’s Special Recognition Award, recognising their many years of contribution to health and social care. These people are the backbone of our health and care service.  They have truly dedicated not only their working lives, but their later lives to helping others.

“Well done to all our winners and indeed, all of those nominated. Thank you all for going the extra mile and always putting those you care for first.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.