Oxford United in the Community has joined forces with the Lions Barber Collective to help raise awareness of mental health support during Men’s Health Week 2020.
Online training and resources are being made available as part of the collective to raise awareness of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention among men.
The Lions Barber Collective is a group set up to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Barbers are now trained across the country via the scheme’s BarberTalk programme, equipping trainees with the necessary skills to help recognise mental health issues and specific warning signs. It is designed to encourage them to look out for their clients by listening and being able to guide them to the right resources should they need it.
To mark Men’s Health Week 2020 The Lions are being welcomed to Oxfordshire to help further raise awareness for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention amongst men. A free online course is being made available to Oxfordshire barbers giving them the opportunities to learn skills to support their clients. Additionally, each organisation in the collective will be sharing further information across the week to help raise awareness.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community said: “This is a fantastic national initiative that has really developed and helped so many people. It is great that it has come to Oxfordshire and we are proud to be a key delivery partner for such an important cause. It comes at a time when adapting to a ‘new normal’ is taking its toll and putting a huge amount of pressure on people’s mental and emotional state. So, helping raise awareness and empowering people to seek the right help is vital.”
Oxford United in the Community is working in partnership with Achieve Oxfordshire, Active Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire FA, Oxford Mental Health Network, Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership and Oxfordshire MIND to welcome the Lions to the county.