Funded by London Borough of Bexley’s Public Health Team and delivered by Mind in Bexley, the project has been working successfully with a small group of barbers as part of a pilot initiative supporting men. The Barbershop Project was recognised by the judging panel for its pioneering and innovative approach to encouraging people to engage with mental health services.

The Project originally started following research that revealed men are statistically more likely to discuss mental health issues with their barber than with their GP. This places barbers in a unique position to support men experiencing anxiety and depression.

Now expanded into the Wellbeing Ambassadors programme, it has transformed everyday conversations into life-saving support for both men and women. Stylists, barbers, nail technicians and tattoo artists are helping people talk about their mental health, with approaching 61 Ambassadors already signed up.

The project has sparked more than 1,800 wellbeing conversations and crucially, 43 clients have gone on to access Mind in Bexley’s services – demonstrating the scheme’s real impact. With innovative tools like their conversation-prompt mirror stickers, Ambassadors are breaking stigma, building trust and helping to save lives.

Cllr Melvin Seymour, Deputy Leader of the Council, said:

The Wellbeing Ambassadors programme is transforming the way our residents and communities’ approach mental health. Working with commercial partners is enabling trusted conversations and offers of support.

To have the achievements of this initiative recognised with an award gives us the opportunity to amplify the programme’s credibility and impact. My thanks to all the ambassadors who have taken part. I would encourage any business who is interested in being part of the initiative to contact Mind in Bexley or the Council’s Public Health Team.

Dr David Palmer, CEO of Mind in Bexley and East Kent, said:

It was a real honour to accept the Innovation Award on behalf of the Bexley Barbershop Project.

I want to thank the London Borough of Bexley for backing this work from the very beginning. Their support has enabled us to turn everyday high-street spaces into safe, trusted places where residents can open up long before crisis point.

This project is directly about suicide prevention, meeting people where they are, in barbershops, salons and tattoo studios, and giving local professionals the skills to listen, notice distress and guide people to help.

The pilot showed the need, and thanks to Bexley Council’s continued commitment, the Wellbeing Ambassador programme is now on track to train 100 stylists, barbers, tattooists and nail technicians across the borough.

If you work in a barbershop, salon, tattoo studio or nail bar in the London Borough of Bexley and would like to join the growing number of trained Wellbeing Ambassadors, please contact Mind in Bexley via email at: ambassador@mindinbexley.org.uk

Alternatively, you can find more information here: Wellbeing Ambassadors