Cumbrian suicide prevention charity Every Life Matters are hosting online Suicide Alertness training for Cumbrian Hairdressers, Beauticians, Barbers and Tattooists on Monday 16th September from 9am – 12:30pm. The training is available on the Every Life Matters Eventbrite and will be delivered on Zoom.
The charity wishes to reach as many professionals who work in the beauty industry as possible due to the people focussed nature of the work and the close relationship many have with clients. The training aims to help create life saving conversations and to teach attendees to look out for invitations and opportunities to insight hope and build support around an individual who may be struggling. The training also aims to break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, allowing more people to feel comfortable reaching out for help and talking to one another. With those working within the beauty industry being such a huge part of local communities, the charity feels they are well placed to make change within local social structures and help signpost individuals who may need support.
“Being in the barber’s chair, people tend to open up a little bit more, it is a safe environment and so easy going that conversations flow. What I’ve learned from the suicide prevention training is to notice in conversations where a client might not be doing so well. The more people educate themselves we can start to break that stigma around suicide and hopefully, we’ll all be able to help each other out before it gets to a point where there’s no return.” Jamie, Barber at Mahoney’s Barbering, Carlisle
“One of the reasons we got involved is because too many people are taking their lives at a young age. I think for blokes to come out and actually talk about how they feel in a relaxed environment like the barber shop is very important. I wanted my staff to know more and be able to signpost clients to support. I’d recommend it to anyone to do it. Educate yourself, knowledge is power.” Ash, barber/owner Mahoney’s Barbering, Carlisle
“It is a privilege to be able to train those in the beauty industry who are already having challenging conversations with clients. We hope the training makes it easier for them to have side by side conversations and to feel empowered by their position to help others to find practical support and being a safe person to talk to in their local community.” Sarah Cameron, Suicide Safe Community Co-Ordinator at Every Life Matters.
