People can get a free haircut this Wednesday at Cardiff Central station. The initiative is aimed at getting people talking at Wales’ busiest railway station.
The Lions Barber Collective, a mental health charity which works to prevent suicide, is behind the scheme. The group will be running a free pop-up barber shop from 9am to 4pm. You can read more stories about mental health here.
Transport for Wales says the charity's barbers have been trained to "recognise and engage people in conversations around mental health". With two chairs on the station concourse, they will offer free haircuts to customers and colleagues while having "conversations to promote positive mental health".
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Josh Hopkins, head of safety and resilience at Transport for Wales, said: “With thousands of people travelling through Cardiff Central every day it’s the perfect location to reach as many people as possible and spark a discussion about the importance of looking after your mental health. At Transport for Wales the safety of our customers and colleagues is our number one priority and we are committed to working closely with mental health charities and organisations.”
The Lions Barber Collective was founded in 2015 by barber and public speaker Tom Chapman after he lost a friend to suicide. Tom, who has made it his life’s work to address the stigma surrounding suicide, believes barber shops can be safe places for men to talk.
Samaritans operates a free 24-hour phone service every day of the year. Just call 116 123 to speak to someone if you need help. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans: jo@samaritans.org
