Government says scheme to train barbers to spot signs of bad mental health was success

The government says a pilot scheme that trains Barbers to spot the signs of bad mental health was a huge success. 

BarberTalk was launched in October last year with 20 local barbers attending the meeting about suicide prevention. 

At a feedback event in January, those who attended said that their clients are more likely to open up once they know their barber is in the programme.

Public Health Isle of Man says it wants to extend training to pub landlords, taxi drivers, hairdressers, sport coaches, pharmacists, and faith community leaders next.