The HSE has teamed-up with barbers across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to raise awareness and help them learn about new skills around suicide prevention.

The Talking Heads initiative is lead out by Seán Conneely, Senior Health Promotion Officer and supported by the National Office of Suicide Prevention and was launched to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday of this week.

Barbers have got involved in the initiative because men feel comfortable and enjoy visiting their local barber.  Barbers are in regular contact with men of all ages and backgrounds, and build up friendships and close bonds over time with their clients.

They can be well placed to notice changes in a person over time.  Perhaps he is a little down or more withdrawn, he may look anxious or dejected –- all things that could cause concern.  In such cases, more than a haircut might be needed.

Let’s Talk About Suicide is a new, free online suicide prevention training programme from the HSE that helps people to develop their skills to keep others safe from suicide.

It helps participants to identify people who are at risk, confidently ask about the topic of suicide and connect them with resources that can help them stay safe.

To date 27 barbers in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon have successfully completed this online training. They were presented with a framed copy of their Let’s Talk About Suicide Certificate as well as a  resource pack containing further information to help signpost to additional services.

Seán Conneely, HSE, said: “The response from barbers has been fantastic.  All the barbers were very interested in the initiative and when talking to them, I could see that they really care about their clients and were eager to learn more about suicide prevention and mental health”.

Feedback from participating barbers has also been very positive. Seamus Moloney from Cutting Edge Barbers, Loughrea said: “At times we forget the small things can make a big difference to someone such as a chat or showing interest in someone’s day and being able to offer some advice and recommendations which the Let’s Talk About Suicide course and Talking Heads initiative has provided.”

And Sam McVey of The County Barbers, Headford, said: “I thought it was very insightful and I gained new methods when approaching someone thinking of suicide.  I think it is very beneficial for anyone to start this course.”

Barbershops in Galway that took part of the Talking Heads initiative are; Gallagher Barbers, Galway City; Cutting Edge Barbers, Loughrea; Maggies Barbers, Athenry; and The County Barbers, Headford.

It is hoped that more barbers around the county will join the Talking Heads initiative.  For more information email sean.conneely2@hse.ie or call 087-9245730.  For further information on mental health supports visit www.westbewell.ie.

Pictured:  Matthew Hamilton of Maggie’s Barbers, Athenry, with his framed certificate after completing training, pictured with  Seán Conneely, Senior Health Promotion Officer.