Hairdresser becomes mental health advocate

Dan James now devotes his life helping people in a new way

A former hairdresser has taken up a new job as a mental health campaigner and is urging people to talk about their feelings.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week - which runs until 19 May - Dan James, a fundraiser for charity Mind, said people who are struggling need to share their issues with others.

Mr James, from Minehead in Somerset, worked as a hairdresser for over two decades and had such a loyal customer base he did not need to take on any new customers for 10 years.

He said his clients would regularly talk about their emotions with him.

"We became friends, it was a safe one-to-one space where people would feel very comfortable to talk to you," said Mr James, 41.

"It worked both ways, there were hard times for myself and my clients were there to support me and likewise I had them - that's what makes it such a special bond."

Now, he spends his days encouraging people to think and talk about their mental health issues.

Mr James is urging people to talk about their mental health struggles

"People have struggled and it's mainly because they are not talking," he said.

"In every friendship group, especially with guys, there are probably guys who aren't necessarily that emotional, so you find it hard to talk to those people yourself if you're struggling.

"There is normally always one person in that group who are that little bit more sensitive.

"You need to find someone you're really comfortable with and happy to talk to."

Mr James said Mind has "fantastic" 24-7 helpline which people can use anonymously.

He is also helping with distributing the charity's 'calm boxes', which come with candles and tea bags.

"When you are buying gifts, people often go for alcohol or other products that might not be good for mental health," he said.

"We wanted to create something that people could send that would create a relaxing and calming mood."