Barbers to be given free mental health training

The Danny Cram Foundation, set up after the skater's death in December, is encouraging barbers to attend the training

Barbers are being encouraged to take part in a free training session aimed at supporting clients struggling with their mental health.

The Danny Cram Foundation in Jersey wants barbers to take part in the BarberTalk training - delivered by barber, author, and educator Tom Chapman - who designed it to give barbers the confidence to have supportive, non-judgemental conversations with clients.

The foundation was set up by the friends and family of skater Danny Cram, who took his own life in December after experiencing mental health struggles.

Funding for the training was provided by the Government of Jersey's Connect Me grant scheme.

Between 2012 and 2021, 68% of all suicides in Jersey involved men, meaning men were 2.1 times as likely to have taken their own lives as women, according to the Danny Cram Foundation.

It said the figures highlighted the need for community-based initiatives such as BarberTalk.

The training is being delivered by barber, author and educator Tom Chapman

Mr Cram's mother Louise said the experience of losing her son had been "absolutely devastating" and left people in his life wondering "what else they could have done."

"Death by suicide is avoidable and our personal experience has highlighted some of the basics that are sadly missing on the island that could save lives," she said.

"Suicide disproportionately affects men and so a scheme aimed at men felt like a natural priority."

She said BarberTalk was a "brilliant and simple scheme".

"As we approach the winter months, when we know that mental health struggles can feel worse, we want BarberTalk to provide another lifeline, a confidant, a trusted friend or just someone to talk to," she said.

"If this makes the difference for even one person, it's worth it."

The free training session will take place on 24 November at St Paul's Centre in St Helier.

• If you, or someone you know, has been affected by mental health issues BBC Action Line has put together a list of organisations which can help.