Senior leaders from Eastern Education Group swapped the boardroom for the barbershop this week as they stepped into a Level 2 barbering lesson at West Suffolk College for a special Movember fundraising shave.
CEO Nikos Savvas, Chief People Officer Simon Graham, and Group Assistant Principal Anthony Harvey all braved the shave after a month of growing out their facial hair for an incredible cause. Movember is a global movement dedicated to improving men’s health – raising awareness around men’s mental wellbeing, prostate and testicular cancer, and lifestyle risks. The team’s efforts helped contribute to vital funds that will support awareness initiatives and essential health support programmes.
Although the final shave itself had to be carried out by tutors for safety reasons, the students played a central role every step of the way. Learners took responsibility for preparing the clients, applying hot towels, prepping the skin, creating the perfect lather, and setting up the workstation for their tutors.
Under expert guidance, students then gathered around to watch the live demonstration. It definitely wasn’t a typical day in the classroom, as students found themselves at the heart of a high-profile Movember shave. Student Amy Starr admitted she felt nervous when she first discovered she would be assisting with the CEO’s shave:
“I didn’t know I was going to be doing a treatment on the CEO until this morning. I was definitely a bit nervous when I first found out, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought. It’s all good experience for the future. I’ll be doing Level 3 Barbering next year and hope to open my own barbershop one day.”
The Movember campaign proved to be a fantastic success, with the Group reaching its fundraising target of £500. It was also a brilliant example of collaboration across Eastern Education Group – senior leaders, students, and staff coming together to champion men’s health and make a meaningful difference.
A massive thank you goes to everyone who donated, and to all staff and students involved – you all did an excellent job for a worthy cause, no matter how nervous! And congratulations to our leadership team for braving the shave and raising important funds for charity.
The session ended on a high note as Nikos, Simon, and Anthony walked out of the classroom sporting their freshly styled, dashing new moustaches – a little lighter, a lot neater, and definitely ready to round off Movember in style.
