In order to help raise awareness and funds for mental health charity, Lions Barber Collective, this November barber, Liam Gardner, will be embarking on haircutting marathon, providing a full 24 hours of trims to connect with those in the chair and support the communities mental well-being.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important to provide mental health support, as we come to terms with facing some of the strictest restrictions imposed to our way of ‘normal life’ we have ever seen. I thought to myself I want to do something to help people and prevent anyone from feeling like they cannot open up and talk,” explains Liam. “I’m lucky enough to be part of the Lions Barber Collective, a charity set up by barbers for barbers and their clients. We train up barbers on how to spot people struggling with their mental health and depression and educate barbers on how to deal with it and provide an outlet for mental health support. We can bridge the gap between the communities we serve and the resources available. I have decided to help raise money for the charity by organising a non-stop 24 event. My aim is to get as many people in for a haircut over 24 hours as possible, with raffles and prize giveaways and just generally have fun and help people feel they can come in and talk openly about mental health, raising money through donations to the Lions cause.”
Charity Founder, Tom Chapman, adds: “To think that our prospects and barbers are coming up with great ideas like this to support their communities and our work is just amazing! As a small charity and fundraising can help us continue with our mission and vision. With any charity, sustainability is always a worry so we are forever grateful to people like Liam.”
The event will take place at R&G Barbers in Crediton, Devon, on Friday 13th November, Liam hopes that this will inspire other barbers to join him and cut for 24 hours to support The Lions Barber Collective.