BRUSHING UP ON TECH: CELEBRITY BARBERSHOP SLIDERCUTS HELPS CUT THE UK’S DIGITAL DIVIDE WITH MASTERCARD

Mastercard partners with iconic East London barbershop SliderCuts to offer free money and tech advice for those most in need of financial support following the pandemic, with a complimentary haircut included.

The initiative follows research commissioned by Mastercard* that almost a quarter of people (23%)** cited being happy to talk about money issues at their barbershop or hairdressers; with 1 in 10** viewing barbershops as the hub of the community and a safe space to talk about issues and concerns.

Post pandemic, the digital and financial divide in the UK currently stands at 1.5 million homes remaining offline***. And it seems many people have nowhere to turn, with 30%** of those surveyed stating they feel uncomfortable discussing finances at all.

Working with Clean Slate and Good Things Foundation once again, the two-day activation is a continuation of Mastercard’s ‘Nobody in The Dark’ digital and financial inclusion campaign, which first launched in 2020. Kicking off on Thursday 2nd September, the initiative aims to help those living in poverty or on low incomes with limited digital skills who would benefit from support in using digital tools.

Mark Maciver of SliderCuts says: “I know first-hand the importance a barbershop can have on the community. I’ve witnessed grown men breakdown over issues they can’t talk about to the people closest to them yet feel comfortable enough to discuss with their barber. We all struggle at times in our lives; whether it’s finances, relationships, family or work and I truly hope that barbershops feel like a safe space for anyone wanting to open up. I’m really proud to partner with Mastercard on this initiative, tackling a very important but often unspoken issue.”

Chosen for its familiarity, with 18%** of people citing barbershops as an environment to which they can catch up on local news and where people feel comfortable opening up to talk; representatives from Clean Slate will be on hand at SliderCuts to offer advice on how best to navigate money matters and share guidance on how to use online services safely.

In keeping with the aims of Mastercard’s Nobody in the Dark campaign, the initiative is designed to help empower people with the digital skills they need for everyday tasks and improved financial wellbeing. All are welcome to attend. A dedicated booking telephone number and email address1 have been created with some appointments held for walk ins, should customers not have access to a phone or email.