Pieta House has partnered with popular Dublin barber chain Sam's Barbers to encourage men to swap small talk for big talk and open up about their mental health.
The campaign was launched as Pieta House revealed that over half of its clients are under 25 years old.
Taking advantage of the relationship many young men have with their barbers, Pieta saw it suitable to partner with one of the city's most barber shops to reach men in a space where they might comfortable talking about issues in their lives.
‘Signs of Suicide’ is a public awareness resource created to help family or friends support someone who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide. The mental health charity is encouraging people to be aware of five signs which are sleep disturbance, isolation, giving way possessions, no interest in anything and speaking of no future.
Regional Manager and Therapist with Pieta Leigh Kenny said of the campaign: "It is a great opportunity to highlight that it’s OK not to feel OK sometimes and the best thing you can do is talk about your feelings, whether that be with your family, friends or even your barber as we launch the SIGNS of Suicide campaign with Sam's Barbers."
Meanwhile, Owner of Sam's Barbers Sam Donnelly said: "Mental health is something that is really close to my heart.
"We have young lads come in here and they really do open-up and talk to us, sometimes they talk to us more than they talk to their friends or the girlfriends. It’s almost like the chair is a safe space.
"It is really important that people understand that there are signs of suicide and to know what to do if recognise these in a loved one.
"If I can play a small part in helping someone or raising awareness of the SIGNS so that someone recognises something in a friend or family member then I will be extremely happy."
Also involved in the campaign is singer-songwriter Aaron J Hart who said: "Anyone who knows my music will know that I’ve been through my own struggles, I know how difficult it is and how taking that first step is the hardest.
"It can be very difficult to speak to your family or friends about your struggles but that’s exactly what we need to do, we need to talk more and be open about our feelings and the hard times."
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