Barbers are shifting male attitudes to mental health
February 14, 2023
Let us introduce Harry Matthews, one of our Island’s most popular barbers and supporter, who reached out to fundraise for us and help shine a spotlight on male mental health.
Barbershops are an informal, accessible, and social space not typically associated with health and wellbeing. Harry recognised that he was increasingly having conversations with clients about mental health struggles and wanted to be better equipped to effectively listen to his clients and signpost accordingly.
He came along to one of our recent Mental Health and Wellbeing First Aider courses and learnt the skills, techniques and signposting options that will better equip him going forward. He said afterwards that “It was brilliant to learn so much more about how to effectively listen and offer support, when clients feel they can open up to me in the 20 minutes they’re sat in the barber’s chair. I can 100% use what I’ve learnt”.
It’s so encouraging that there’s a shifting attitude among men to recognise that mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness, and that they can talk freely in a barbershop environment. We’re really grateful to Harry for recognising the importance of mental health and being able to encourage men to seek support.