Training barbers to spot mental health issues

Jake Cox is organising mental health training for other barbers

A Kent-based barber, who used to suffer from severe anxiety, is organising training for other barbers on how to identify mental health problems in clients.

Jake Cox set up his No Bad Days barber shop, in St Mary's Island, Chatham, in 2021 after struggling with his own mental health for many years.

The barber, who is now a mental health first aider, said he "aimed to be a listening pair of ears and signpost people in the right direction to seek advice".

He hopes the one-day course he is running with help from mental health charity Mind will be the "first of many in Kent and beyond".

Mr Cox said: "Around five years ago Mind saved my life. I was in a very dark place.

"It was going through my own mental health journey that gave me a better understanding of how to keep healthy and happy and to seek help when needed.

"I want to spread that message to as many people as possible. And barbering is a great way to do that."

Jake Cox set up his own barber business after struggling with anxiety for years

Mr Cox has been a barber for 10 years and before that worked in a special needs school.

He said: "If all businesses included mental health in what they do the world would be a much better place."

A spokesperson for North Kent Mind said: "This one-day course will teach you how to recognise signs of someone struggling, improve your listening skills, and guide them towards relevant support services."

The course is taking place on 24 June at St Mary's Community Centre.