Join writer Cat Cochrane on a journey through the Southside’s many salons and barbers as she gets to know the people behind the chair. In this edition, get to know the duo behind Michael Rogers’ Hair Salon, married couple Michael and Irene, and their son Chris.

“My first memory of gambling was popping into the local bookies on Grand National day aged 18 to lay an each-way bet for me and my mum…It was a man’s world, but I still recall the buzz of placing a potential winner and the desire to come back to collect my winnings after the race. It was like the die was cast.”

A powerful community-led event shed light on the hidden impact of gambling, from financial struggles to mental health crises. With fresh initiatives and a call for stronger regulation, local voices are demanding action.