Mark Fleming. Creative Writing. Blog

BarberTalk: training barbers to spot mental health issues

9/9/2020

Launched on 10/9/2015, World Suicide Prevention Day, the Lions Barber Collective comprises 30 barbers from all over Europe who have a passion for the prevention of male suicide. They’ve named the initiative BarberTalk.

Tom Chapman, founder of the Barber Collective, with Torquay United defender Angus MacDonald

Tom Chapman with former Torquay United defender Angus MacDonald

Inspired by a tragic loss

Tragedy can so often be cathartic. In the case of Torquay-based barber Tom Chapman, the suicide of a close friend inspired him to launch The Lions Barber Collective, an organisation passionate about suicide prevention. The Collective's ethos is straightforward. Suicide remains the single biggest killer of males under-45 in Britain. A key component of suicide prevention is being there for anyone experiencing difficulties; listening to them, empathising, simply trying to impress upon them that they are never alone. As a barber, Tom was also aware of the close relationship those of his profession have with their clients. Someone relaxing in a chair might divulge thoughts they would never broach in less intimate circumstances. The person might unwind, share anecdotes, but they can also use these moments to be candid. To confide.

As Tom writes on the home page of The Collective's site "As barbers we are in a unique position to help our clients, through the trust and bond we build with them. An incredibly strong relationship where clients become friends and can share aspect of their lives with us, then walk out the shop and leave it behind knowing it goes no further because of client confidentiality and the fact we are often not in their social circle."

Interview with Tom Chapman:

When you decided you wanted to do something positive about men's mental health, what were the next steps?

"I had already set the project of The Lions Barber Collective in place before we even decided it would be for mental health and suicide prevention! Although it was meant to be a one off project, I very quickly realised that as barbers we were in a unique position of trust with those in our chair and had a great opportunity to help them as we are great listeners. There have been many hurdles along the way, mostly the effects on my personal life, but saying that, the overall reaction to the idea has been received well and I haven’t had to push that too much, which is amazing!"

Were your two books, The Barber Boom and Barber Talk, easy to write? Any more in the pipeline?

"The Barber Boom was a self published project which explores the current boom in the barber industry: Why? How? When? And so on. But it also interviews barbers with many different journeys to their success. I hoped it would be read by those in the industry and show them that there is no one journey, inspire and motivate them to see they too could succeed. It was probably the hardest thing I had done up to that point.

BarberTalk was my first published book and it is a memoir, and although easier because I didn’t have to worry about editing, design etc it was difficult and emotional to reflect on the journey I had embarked on.

I have a children’s book being released in 2021 promoting good mental health in young boys and I have just started my next book which will be available in 2022, it will give an insight into the BarberTalk training and how it can be adapted to help those around you."

How did the feature-length documentary £1.7 Million Haircut come about? Are there plans for The Barber Collective to produce any more films?

"We were approached by many production companies but wanted to keep our message strong so we decided to work with local film makers to tell the story behind our work ... the struggles, the victories and the stunning amount of economic burden suicide has on the nation, as well as the devastating emotional effect on the ones left behind. I hope we can make more films. We’ll see …"

How do you feel about the way mental health is treated in 2020? Do you think more could be done to de-stigmatise the subject, and if so, what?

"I think more needs to be done in education, informing people how to look after their wellbeing so we become more resilient and positive around our personal battles. Also that the spectrum of mental health is as diverse as physical health. We ALL have it. Whether it be a loss of a loved one or a job, to being disappointed or not liking what looks back at us in the mirror, it affects us all."

You once fronted a metal band. Do you think music - even screeching guitars! - can play a role in promoting wellbeing?

"I am pretty sure it has played a role in everyone’s life. Music affects your mood, it can bring you up, support you through the lows and as a creative be a vent for those emotions too!"

Away from cutting hair, being a confidante to clients, getting involved in the collective's projects - and having a family - how do you find time to relax?

"I like to exercise daily, which helps and I am a big fan of professional wrestling, so that is my form of escapism, I suppose. Although theres nothing better than a cuddle with the whole family in bed in the morning, if the boys stay still long enough!!"