Exeter barbers rally for Movember and 24-hour charity challenge

Exeter’s barbering community is coming together this November for two major charity events, raising money and awareness for men’s health and supporting children in need this Christmas.

On Tuesday 5 November, Nova Rose Barbers will join forces with three other Exeter barbers (Male Focus, Prestige Barbers, and Lukas Barbers) for the Movember Barber Bash & Brave the Shave at the University of Exeter’s Main Hall. 

The event, organised alongside the university’s student-led Movember committee, will raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer research.

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For Lewis Snow, founder and head barber of Nova Rose, these events are more than community outreach, they reflect the values at the heart of his business: “After 14 years in barbering, I started Nova Rose just over four years ago because I wanted to create something more than an average barbershop,” said Lewis. 

“My goal was to build a community-focused, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, especially those who are neurodivergent or alternative. Having an autistic child myself, and having struggled to fit in when I was younger, it was important to me that Nova Rose became an autism- and ADHD-friendly safe space for everyone who walks through the door.”

Lewis describes Nova Rose as “a small, appointment-based Exeter business with a creative, alternative vibe, influenced by comic books, skate culture, and art.” 

Over the years, the shop has become a hub for local creativity and social good, running four to five charity and pop-up events each year: “The inspiration behind all of this comes from my grandad - a kind, artistic man who taught me to always look out for others.” 

“I’ve always wanted the shop to be a positive legacy for my daughters and a force for good in our local community.”

“This cause is very close to my heart,” said Lewis. “I’ve faced my own mental health struggles and lost several close friends to suicide, so Movember is a campaign we’ll always stand behind.”

Later in the month, from Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 November, Nova Rose Barbers will host its annual 24-Hour Barbering Challenge at its shop on Longbrook Street. 

Barbers will cut hair non-stop for a full day to raise funds and collect toys, clothes, and essentials for Ukrainian orphanages, ensuring donations reach children in time for Christmas.

Both events reflect Exeter’s strong community spirit, with local businesses, students, and residents uniting to support important causes, from tackling men’s health challenges to bringing hope to families overseas.