Welcome.
I’m Joshua Coombes, British author, speaker, hairdresser, and founder of Do Something For Nothing - a movement that encourages people to help others in need.
In 2016, faced with the stark reality of seeing homelessness in London, I recognized that change often begins with small, meaningful actions, so I began offering free haircuts to people living on the streets.
This simple gesture restored dignity and fostered a connection with those I met. It taught me how to listen on a deeper level, create a safe space for people to communicate from a place of vulnerability, and share what they are experiencing.
I felt compelled to share these stories to bring humanity to an issue that is so often misunderstood. This ignited a kindness movement that caught the attention of media outlets and reverberated across the globe.
Today, I continue my work with a focus on the youth education space, with motivational speeches to high school students. My talks explore what it means to be human, how to build bridges with our broader community, and unearth our unique gifts and offerings to make the world a better place.
“Joshua’s speech was a highly interactive, powerful, eye-opening experience that left a lasting impact on our entire school & community. We left the room seeing things differently.”
Elena de Nobile - Eichendorffschule, Frankfurt
Do Something For Nothing
Across the world, people have joined Do Something For Nothing as a way to take action and express their humanity; yoga instructors volunteering in rehabilitation centers, students spending time to have lunch with senior citizens who don’t have a family to visit them, people using art, creativity, sports, education, and practical skills to uplift others who need them in their communities.
We all need a reminder of our common humanity, and we believe in sharing these moments to inspire others. Our collective mental health is intertwined. In a busy world, the importance of being present and simply listening to the person in front of us should never be overlooked.
“Joshua’s stories show the power that empathy and compassion have to turn a common, everyday act into something transformative.”
- Michael Sheen, Actor
my BOOK
Through the simple act of a haircut, readers are taken on a geographical and emotional journey into the lives of humans experiencing homelessness in different cities across the globe. Do Something for Nothing explores themes of love, acceptance, shame, and perseverance while inviting us to see ourselves in one another and dissolve the negative stigmas surrounding homelessness. 100% of the proceeds are dedicated to future not-for-profit art projects to amplify the voices of unsheltered people.
Stories
Stories are powerful. In the years I have spent doing this work, I have met some truly incredible people who are often struggling more than most. These are men and women from all walks of life who, for one reason or another, have found themselves homeless in the cities where we live. Homelessness is a complex issue, surrounded by many stigmas and misconceptions that can prevent us from seeing the full picture. Stories have a unique and transformational power in helping us understand the experiences of others and in building genuine empathy.
Nick, loNdon
“It took a long time for me to feel like I fit in anywhere. I didn’t plan on living on the streets. It’s never easy but I’m thankful. I met the love of my life out here.”
MOnika, paris
“I'm so grateful for my husband. He stays up during the night to make sure that I'm safe and he really protects me. I'm so thankful that we have one another.”
blue, LOS Angeles
“It's tough when the only door to knock on is your own. . .You had to grow up fast where I came from”
jewel, santa monica
"I was homeless from quite an early age. My mom couldn't afford her place in Colorado anymore so she took us out on the road.”
Humberto, London
“I worked as an Engineer for years in my hometown, Pereira. Then in Bogotá. I was good at my job. I enjoyed what I did but work dried up, so I came here for a new start.”
SPIDER, MIAMI
“I’m always searching for a quiet spot so that I don’t have to worry about being messed around with too much. Yeah, life has certainly changed. I guess I’ve changed also.”
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