Public Health in Derbyshire have commissioned training for hairdressers, barbers and beauty professionals so that they can support their customers' mental health.

It’s recognised that customers can often open up to hair stylists about their feelings and state of mind when they might not want to confide in family, friends or colleagues.

The first free four-hour training session for stylists and beauticians based in Derbyshire, excluding the city of Derby, takes place on Zoom, booking through Eventbrite, on Monday 4 October. Five more will be scheduled.

Councillor Carol Hart, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “As part of our approach to suicide prevention across the county, we have commissioned The Lions Barber Collective to deliver online Barber Talk and Hair & Beauty Talk training sessions for barbers and hair and beauty professionals from businesses and organisations based in Derbyshire.

“Barbers and hairdressers are in a unique position to have conversations with customers, and they have the ability to hold positive conversations around mental health. The frequency of people having their hair cut and the relative anonymity of the relationship can break down barriers to enable open and frank conversations.

“These conversations already happen informally on a regular basis. This training boost professionals’ skills, knowledge and confidence and enables them to provide even more positive support.”

The training is commissioned from Lions Barber Collective – an international group of top barbers who have come together to help raise awareness on suicide prevention.

Tom Chapman, founder and CEO of the Lions Barber Collective, said: “We are very excited about our partnership with Derbyshire County Council. At the Lions Barber Collective, we believe that all barbers, hair and beauty professionals should be given the skills and training to listen, recognise and provide a safe space for clients to talk about their mental health.

"We can then guide anyone in need of further help to access relevant local support services. We can't wait to start delivering this training in the Derbyshire county area.”

Use this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/barbertalk-hairbeauty-talk-online-derbyshire-county-4th-october-2021-tickets-164816182639?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch to read more about the training and to register for the first free event.

Five more will be scheduled. Those dates are yet to be arranged but will be found on Eventbrite when they're confirmed – search Lions Barber Collective.

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