Cllr Seymour joins Monique from Mind in Bexley to launch the project
Project broadens to include salons and nailbars
Mind in Bexley’s award-winning Barbershop Project is being expanded to take in a broader range of commercial venues.
The successful pilot supports the wellbeing of men by tapping into the commercial loyalty that many men have for their favourite barbershop. Monthly visits to the barbershop builds a relationship that is successfully being used to spot signs of anxiety and depression, give wellbeing advice and signpost to help and support.
Bexley Council has recognised that the same loyalty and relationship exists with women’s hair salons, nailbars and to some extent with tattoo parlours and now the relaunched Mind in Bexley Ambassador Project is signing up staff in these commercial settings to get involved.
The nailbar photo launch
Simon Dolby from Mind in Bexley said the charity provides simple and straight forward training that enables staff to be able to spot signs of anxiety and depression, be a good listener and knowledgeable about where their customer can get help if needed.
He added: “Many staff tell us that if they can save even one life through their involvement in the Ambassador Project it will be worth it.”
Training is delivered at the commercial premises either immediately before or after work.
Bexley Council funded both the pilot and its expansion. Cllr Melvin Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Poor mental health affects both men and women so I’m delighted we have been able to expand the Barbershop Project to include tattoo parlours, hair salons and nailbars so we can connect and engage with as many people as possible.”
“Since I’ve been a Cabinet Member I’ve been acutely aware that too many people live very lonely and isolated lives often where mental health is a real issue. This project is helping us to connect with more people in need and is helping us to address this issue as a community.”
Mind in Bexley and East Kent won a HealthWatch Award for the Barbershop Project during the first phase of the pilot initiative delivered in East Kent following funding by Kent County Council.
Staff working in barbershops, salons, nailbars and tattoo parlours within the London Borough of Bexley can sign up to be involved by contacting Monique, Damian and Simon by emailing: ambassador@mindinbexley.org.uk
Watch the launch video
