Trim Talk gives mental health a fresh look in Westminster

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The barbershop was once a place to talk about the football or where you are going on holiday; well not anymore.

In a move to combat mental health in underrepresented communities, Westminster City Council have launched Trim Talk. The scheme provides free mental health training for barbers so their shops will become safe spaces for young men to talk about their feelings and emotions.

Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), barbers signed up to the Trim Talk scheme will be a cut above the rest. Barbers have been trained to facilitate conversations about mental health and make customers feel comfortable about speaking up and tackling issues such as, loneliness or feel as if they are suffering in silence. Research indicates that men are generally less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women. This reluctance is often tied to societal expectations of masculinity, where expressing vulnerability or discussing emotions is discouraged.

Having launched earlier this year, there are a number of shops who have already completed the training and know how to spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health. The training offers a thorough understanding of the factors affecting mental health and equips participants with the skills to identify, support, and direct someone experiencing mental health issues. It also enhances conversation and listening skills, building confidence to offer support even in crisis situations.

With support from the council, they are being encouraged to organize regular events to raise awareness and provide access to support services.

Adam Hyland, owner of Raisa's Barbers on Harrow Road is proud to pioneer the scheme:

We are thrilled to support Trim Talk. Our colleagues, customers and communities deserve a psychological safe space where they can ‘open up' and we are proud to champion this mental health campaign with Westminster City Council. When we say any style, any time, any one we live it and breathe it."

The council is especially committed to improving services in the areas where communities experience the highest levels of multiple deprivation such as North Paddington. It is also committed to reforming its approach to place-based working and enhancing its support for local neighbourhoods and high streets across the city. Trim Talk is aiming to create a network of trusted businesses pioneered in North Paddington that combats poor mental health head on. It is hoped the blueprint can be rolled out throughout the borough.

Cllr Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities said:

This new project supports men to talk openly about their mental health while getting a trim. These amazing Harrow Road barbers wanted to help break down the stigma men face to speaking openly and getting the help they need. Now, each Trim Talk barber has been trained for free in facilitating conversations with their customers without judgment.

Just 36% of referrals for NHS talking therapy are for men, and men from global majority communities are less likely to access mental health services and face more barriers to access. We hope that this project will start conversations to support better mental health in our community."

Cllr James Small-Edwards, Deputy Member for Planning and Economic Development added:

Trim Talk is giving Westminster barbershops a new role—helping men open up about their mental health. Thanks to council-backed training, barbers are now equipped to support customers facing loneliness and emotional distress.

I’m so happy that my own barbershop has joined the initiative and I hope that other barbers in North Paddington also get involved."

This is part of a wider council campaign to promote positive mental health and share services with residents who may need additional wellbeing support. More information can be found at on the council’s dedicated webpage.