TOM CHAPMAN
11:50, Monday 26 March, Mainstage
When Torquay barbershop owner Tom Chapman lost a friend – Alex – to suicide, he was completely unaware he was going to take his life. “It was something that made me think we need to do something as a prevention, something that will kick in before,” he says.
A year later, he set up the Lions Barber Collective, with the aim of transforming barbershops into safe, confidential, non-judgemental spaces for men to talk about their mental health with their barber. Through the group, Tom runs a training programme that teaches other barbers to recognise, talk, listen and advise clients – working along side the Samaritans charity – to signpost the services that are on offer for those in need.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and research has found that barbers are in a very unique position to help men battle with depression. A recent survey revealed that more than half of British men feel more comfortable discussing sensitive mental health issues such as depression with their hairdressers than their doctors.
Get the full Salon Smart experience with a Weekend Pass (£245 plus VAT), which includes overnight accommodation, breakfast AND a three-course dinner with wine. A Monday Pass (£100 plus VAT) is for the Monday business programme only.
Check out the full line-up here, and then call to book!