Barbers give free haircuts in Glasgow to raise awareness of mental health

The Lions Barber Collective was set up in 2015 by Torquay-based barber Tom Chapman, who lost a friend to suicide.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 9th Feb 2024

A man has travelled all the way up to Glasgow from Devon to give out free haircuts in the St. Enoch Shopping Centre.

The Lions Barber Collective was set up in 2015 by Torquay-based barber Tom Chapman, who lost a friend to suicide.

A pop-up barber shop has been offering free haircuts in an initiative aimed at boosting discussions around mental wellbeing among men.


Barbers give free haircuts in Glasgow to raise awareness of mental health
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Mr Chapman and the team have been trained to recognise and open conversations on mental wellbeing and discuss support available.

He said: "Barbers are in the very privileged position of having close interaction and relationships with our clients day-in, day-out.

"Our mission is to help create safe spaces where men in particular feel comfortable to speak about their mental health and to be able to signpost them to support and information.

"That peer-to-peer approach that we adopt, which is behind the Mind To Mind ethos, is really important and we are delighted to have collaborated on today's pop-up event.

"We look forward to having many open and honest discussions around mental wellbeing as we carry out the haircuts throughout the day."

The one-day event is part of the Scottish Government's Mind To Mind campaign, which supports the mental wellbeing of Scots.

For urgent help, contact the NHS 24 mental health hub, your GP, or police on 111.

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