Barbers to be trained under new initiative to help support any clients under distress
A new initiative to train local barbers to identify signs of mental distress and help prevent suicide, is being rolled out in north Dublin.
Talking Heads, a campaign by Fingal County Council (FCC), is encouraging barbers to complete a free online training programme for suicide prevention called, Let’s Talk About Suicide.
The training will help participating barbers recognise the signs that someone may be at risk and build their confidence in directly addressing suicide.
FCC is working with other organisations and support networks in the Fingal area that the barbers can reach out to if they identify a client who needs support.
“Barbershops are places where young men often feel comfortable and open,” said Mayor of Fingal, cllr Tom O’Leary.
“By encouraging barbers to complete the Let’s Talk About Suicide training, we are creating trusted spaces where conversations about mental health can happen naturally.
“On World Mental Health Day [October 10], it’s important to remind everyone that reaching out and talking can save lives.”
The barbers will be trained to recognise signs of mental distress, start difficult conversations with people and support younger clients.
The Talking Heads project is supported by community organisations including Fingal Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), Healthy Fingal, HSE Mental Health Services and Dublin City CYPSC.
“It’s a simple but powerful way to make a real difference in suicide prevention,” Niall McGuirk, Healthy Fingal Coordinator said.
“Talking Heads is about empowering communities to look out for one another.
“We know barbers build strong bonds with their clients, and this initiative gives them practical tools to support someone in distress,” he added.
John Duffy, HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, said: “We know that small conversations can make a big difference.
“By encouraging barbers to complete the training, Talking Heads equips them with the confidence to recognise when someone might be at risk and to connect them with the right supports.
“This initiative shows how community spaces, like barbershops, can play a vital role in suicide prevention.”
The first sessions of Talking Heads will be held in barbershops in Finglas and Lusk, before it is expanded to additional locations in the county.