BarberTalk App launches for mental health support

Mental health and suicide prevention charity, The Lions Barber Collective, has launched a new App, BarberTalk.

Created as a safe space for the hair industry, the BarberTalk app has been a collaboration between several experts and includes links to signposting services, Hub of Hope and the 5 steps to Mental Well-being. Unique features include bespoke mindfulness tips for the hair industry and Sleep Like a Lion meditation/hypnosis.

In addition, The Lions Barber Collective hope to get another 500 hair professionals to complete the BarberTalk Lite training through the new App during this time of isolation.

Commenting on the launch of the BarberTalk App, The Lions Barber Collective founder, Tom Chapman, says:

“This has been on my mind for a long time, I'm lucky I have a good support network but not everyone has this and some barbers/hairdressers work alone. We needed to provide a space for the hair pros to vent if needed about work, life or even the Covid-19 situation we are in at the moment. Also, if we are expecting them to listen to people's problems day in day out and potential suicide plans, we hope they can intervene, or worse maybe people around them that they lose, they need a space in which they can talk if needed. I am so grateful for the Where's it App team for donating their time to get this done for the industry. Without them, we never could have afforded to create this app being such a small charity. This app could genuinely save lives and will most definitely help people.”

He continues:

“The most important feature on the app has to be the forum and creating this safe space for the industry to vent. However, there are so many great features and the Client Care form is hugely important to our work. These simple yes or no questions will give us vital data on how the hair industry helps their clients. This data will enable us to go to the educational governing bodies and Parliament to push for mental health to be part of the curriculum in hair and beauty!”

The App was developed by Where's it App Digital Agency. Founders, Colleen and Justin, comment:

“We have seen a huge potential to do something good with the custom-built app platform we have. We reached out to The Lions Barber collective back in September 2019 and chatted through the positive impact the Custom App would bring to many lives. The ability to have one platform for people to use to chat to one another, find useful tips and professional services. We believe this App will help change lives for the better.”

The BarberTalk App is available on the App Store and is also expected to launch soon via the Google Play store.