In a world where mental health issues are on the rise, it is crucial to have safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their struggles and seek support. The Lions Barber Collective (LBC) is one such organisation that has been at the forefront of this movement, providing non-clinical, non-judgemental spaces for people to talk about mental health for nearly 10 years.
However, the LBC faced a setback when it had to close its doors as a charity due to lack of funding. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Tom Chapman, the founder of the organisation, has resurrected the LBC as a mental health company with the same mission – to create safe spaces for people to speak openly about mental health.
The LBC Pop-Up Safe Spaces will now be a product of HereToTalk training company, continuing to provide opportunities for individuals to discuss their mental health in various settings such as sporting events, workplaces, colleges, universities, and more. The unique aspect of these safe spaces is that they use the vehicle of a haircut to facilitate conversations and raise awareness about mental health.
Barbering has long been a profession that involves trust and intimate conversations between the barber and the client. Tom Chapman recognised this unique dynamic after losing a friend to suicide in 2014 and utilised it to create a safe space for individuals to open up about their mental health struggles. The LBC Pop-Up Safe Spaces will continue to harness the power of a haircut to raise awareness about mental health and provide support to those in need.
One of the key focuses of the LBC is suicide prevention.
According to the World Health Organisation, close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year, making it a major public health issue. By providing safe spaces for individuals to talk about their mental health, the LBC aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Tom Chapman has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his own struggles with anxiety and depression to inspire others to seek help. Through the LBC, he has created a community of hair professionals and beyond who are trained to recognise the signs of mental health issues and provide support to their clients.
As the LBC moves forward as a mental health company, it will continue to focus on its mission of creating safe spaces for individuals to talk about mental health. By partnering with HereToTalk and expanding its reach to various settings, the LBC aims to reach a wider audience and provide support to those in need.
In a world where mental health issues are often stigmatised and overlooked, HereToTalk and Lions Barber Collective aim to play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing support to those struggling with their mental health. By using the power of a haircut to facilitate conversations about mental health, the LBC is paving the way for a more open and supportive society.
