In a proactive effort to improve men’s mental health, barbers in Swindon, Wiltshire, are set to undergo training focused on discussing wellbeing with their clients. The initiative, led by Swindon Borough Council, encourages barbers and men’s hairdressers to participate and will equip them with essential skills and resources to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.
Lydia Jordan, a public health practitioner at the council, emphasizes the unique bond that often forms between barbers and their customers. ‘Barbershops can become safe spaces where men feel comfortable discussing their emotional wellbeing while getting a haircut,’ Jordan stated. This initiative aims to foster an environment that encourages openness about mental health among men and boys.
Danny Hegarty, owner of Supreme Barbers in Swindon, is among the first to enroll himself and his team in the training. Hegarty recognizes the importance of mental health discussions, noting that many clients occasionally share personal struggles related to their lives, work, or family during their appointments. ‘I want my customers to trust us with their emotions as much as they do with their haircuts,’ he said.
The training program will be conducted by the council’s public health team in collaboration with organizations such as Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind and Papyrus UK. The training sessions are designed to be concise, requiring only a small time commitment from participants. Jordan reassures that the training will empower barbers to use appropriate language when discussing mental health and guide clients to available support resources.
In addition to the training, barbershops will display stickers featuring QR codes on mirrors. Scanning these codes will direct clients to a website that offers further information on mental health resources.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health issues among men. By equipping barbers with the tools to engage in these conversations, the council hopes to create a more supportive community for men in Swindon.
