Welcome!
I’m Joshua Coombes, a British author, speaker, and founder of Do Something For Nothing - a movement that encourages people to help others in their communities.
While working as a hairdresser in a salon in the UK ten years ago, I began offering free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness. This simple gesture restored dignity and built deep connections with those I met.
Something changed in me through these experiences. Although I was part of a culture that felt increasingly more disconnected, I had found a simple, human way to push the needle in the other direction.
I began meeting people from all walks of life, and with each encounter, it became clearer that simply being with someone was the most powerful aspect. By sharing stories of those I met on social media, a kindness movement was born, which has spread around the world.
“Joshua’s stories show the power that empathy and compassion have to turn a common, everyday act into something transformative.”
- Michael Sheen, Actor
Do Something For Nothing
Across the world, people have joined Do Something For Nothing; yoga teachers offering their time to people who can’t afford it, students spending time having lunch with senior citizens who don’t have a family to visit them, and people using art, creativity, sports, education, and practical skills to uplift others in their communities who need them.
In a busy world, we need more reminders of our common humanity. The importance of slowing down enough to lend a hand to someone in need is far from insignificant. All of us have the power to shape our culture in this way, by bringing more love, attention, and presence to our everyday actions.
In the eyes of the world, it may mean nothing, but it can mean everything to that person. Read inspiring stories of people who have joined the movement below.
my BOOK
Through the simple act of a haircut, readers are taken on a geographical and emotional journey into the lives of people 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 stigmas surrounding homelessness.
Public Speaking.
Today, much of my time is spent giving talks at conferences, events, and with students in schools.
After many years of working in different countries, with communities that are often incredibly isolated, I engage audiences with real-life stories, demonstrating the power of truly seeing one another and practicing empathy in everyday lives.
My sessions open the heart and connect people to their path and purpose. With a visually creative and uplifting presentation, I translate a decade of my life experience into relatable, easy-to-understand concepts for people to bring into their daily reality.
“in leading by example, Coombes is both thought-provoking and inspiring, making us each ask what more we might do to better see and care for our communities.”
- sophia bush, Actor & activist
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