More BarberTalk suicide prevent training courses

The barber and hair profession's suicide prevention charity, Lions Barber Collective, has received a grant to fund more free BarberTalk Online training sessions for hair professionals across the UK during this latest COVID-19 lockdown period.

During the first lockdown in the spring of 2020, Lions Barber Collective worked with NHS SW Mental Health Clinical Network and Health Education England to redevelop the BarberTalk training so it could be delivered online via Zoom. 

BarberTalk Online training empowers hair professionals to recognise the signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health, to ask the right questions, listen with empathy, and give the knowledge to what resources are available should they need more help.

Recently a special BarberTalk Online Session was held with celebrity hair stylists and high-profile barbers to help raise awareness about what the hair industry is capable of, and that they are more than 'just a barber/hairdresser'. 

The latest grant from the National Lottery Community Fund will enable more hairdressers and the barbers to benefit from Lions Barber Collective's BarberTalk Online training sessions.

Tom Chapman, Founder of Lions Barber Collective and BarberTalk, explains:

“We know that this training gives hair professionals the skills to feel confident in themselves, what questions they can ask and also liberates them from the fear of saying something wrong. It has also saved lives. We deal with people's mental health every day, everyone suffers loss, has nerves or struggles from time to time and we share some of lives biggest moments with our clients. I've lost count of pre wedding stress or pre baby nerves and worries conversations I've had for example."

Celebrity Hairdresser, Errol Douglas MBE, is a supporter of the BarberTalk training. He says:

“Mental health awareness is so important, especially in this time. I think it's very important for hairdressers to be aware, it's a great initiative by Lions Barber Collective to be talking about these things and especially to help us talk to our clients.”

Hairdressers and barbers interested in undertaking Lions Barber Collective BarberTalk training should search 'BarberTalk' on Eventbrite. Dates will continue to be added to ensure everyone who wants to receives the training.