00:00The key point of being a barber is understanding different sorts of psychological profiles
00:05that distinguish people.
00:06Around three-quarters of people who die by suicide are men, and this has been a fairly
00:11consistent pattern for the last three decades.
00:13But one barber shop in Beersted is hoping to make a difference, one trim at a time.
00:19So for some people sitting in this chair, it's about a lot more than just getting their
00:23hair cut.
00:24For some people, it's the only opportunity they have to get things off their chest and
00:28to talk to people.
00:29The hairy bear has become a strong advocate for men's mental health in Maitstone, with
00:34huge support from the local community.
00:37They say barbers can often be a lifeline, giving men a safe space to open up about their struggles.
00:43I had a client that came a few months ago telling me that in one month he lost a girlfriend,
00:52he lost a job and he was without money, living in a car, couldn't afford even to pay the rent.
01:02And he was hoping and looking for a job.
01:05And obviously I try my best to give him a boost of energy saying that it's very important to never
01:12give up and believe in yourself and trust in your skills.
01:16A lot of people are living on their own, either widowed, singled or just, you know, timed by themselves.
01:26So this is their only time to communicate with people, gives them a purpose to go out and a reason
01:33and to make them feel good about themselves.
01:36When you're having your hair done, being shaved or cut, you're relaxed and you're naturally talking to the person that's
01:43doing it.
01:44And as I said, if you keep returning to the same one, as time goes on, your relationship gets stronger,
01:50the bond.
01:50A simple conversation can be the first step towards opening up and sometimes having someone willing to listen can make
01:59all the difference.
02:00Maisie Walker for KMTV, Beersted.
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