Inverness barber backs new campaign launched by mental health charity Mikeysline
An Inverness barber is urging men not to be embarrassed about talking about their feelings as part of a new mental health campaign.
Sean Macleod (21), who has his own business in King Street, is backing the new campaign #MikeyslineMirrorMission being run by Highland mental health charity, Mikeysline.
The charity is putting a call out to local barbers and ultimately hopes to roll out it out other places such as hairdressers, beauty salons, tattooists and gyms.
The campaign aims to encourage men to talk and not to wait until they are at a crisis point to reach out.
It has been launched as part of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month which runs throughout November to raise awareness of men's health issues and encourage men to seek help if needed.
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“You don’t have to feel embarrassed about opening up about your emotions and feelings,” Sean said.
Sean, who has been a barber for the last three-and-a-half years, has put up campaign stickers on the mirror in his shop and is also donating £1 from every haircut to Mikeysline up until March when he will do the Inverness Half Marathon for the charity.
He says in his work, a lot of customers talk to him about anything.
“I talk to them about my emotions as much as they talk to me,” he said.
“It is usually quite an open environment.
“There is no eye contact and so I think people are more likely to open up.”
Sean, a former Inverness Royal Academy pupil, went straight into the profession after leaving school and built up his clientele and says he was lucky enough to open his first shop in January this year.
“You get a treatment. You start a conversation - that is the reason why I love this job,” Sean said.
“You get things off your chest and that is always a good bonus.”
His customers span all ages from children to men in their 70s and 80s.
He feels that Highland men have often found it difficult to open up about their feelings although he thinks it is starting to change.
“Even myself - I find I speak more about my feelings with clients and the more I get to know them, they come in and open up a bit more,” he said.
“They might come in not feeling their best and they leave looking good and feeling good about themselves.”
The new initiative fits in with Mikeysline’s campaign, #BeeTheChange, aims to challenge stigma and change the dialogue around mental health.
Campaign manager Allana Stables welcomed Sean’s backing and hopes dozens more barbers and others will give their support, too.
“#MikeyslineMirrorMission came about as we know that in barbers’ and hairdressers’ chairs, people often feel comfortable about opening up,” she said.
“It sparked an idea and will hopefully spark further conversations which in turn will help signpost people to us here at Mikeysline.
“We are that safe space, a non-judgmental listening ear and provide support 365 days a year.
“As this is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we were absolutely delighted that Sean was the first to come on-board with the idea.
“We are currently printing vinyl signs for around another 30 local barbers.
“After this, we plan to roll it out to hairdressers, beauty salons, tattooists, gyms, pubs and offices.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in the campaign should email beethechange@mikeysline.co.uk.
Further details about getting help can be found at www.mikeysline.co.uk/appointments.
