Free haircuts were given out at Oxford Railway Station for men's mental health. 

In order to spread the word about the Lions Barber Collective, who aim to prevent suicide through training barbers how to spot mental health issues, three hair professionals are volunteering their skills at Oxford Railway station until 3pm today. 

Witney Gazette: The Lions Barber Collective were giving out free haircuts at Oxford Railway Station to raise awareness of men's mental health.The Lions Barber Collective were giving out free haircuts at Oxford Railway Station to raise awareness of men's mental health.

Leanne Hughes, a 36-year-old who teaches hairdressing at Witney College and has been in the profession for around 20 years, said: "It's all about how to ask the right questions to find out how someone is. And then signposting them to the right support." 
Witney Gazette: Max Burgazzi, 53, admires his new cut at the Lions Barber Collective pop-up.Max Burgazzi, 53, admires his new cut at the Lions Barber Collective pop-up.
Connor Evans, 30, who owns The Men's Grooming Company in Coventry, has been cutting hair since he was 14 but only recently began opening up about mental health. 

He said: "When I first got involved I was struggling with my own mental health so it was a bit of a touchy subject. But I soon came to see its worth. It is really rewarding, andif I do this for 20 years and help save even one life it will be really worth it for me." 
Witney Gazette: Connor Evans, Leanne Hughes, and Paul Lofthouse volunteer their hair cutting skills to raise awareness of men’s mental health. Connor Evans, Leanne Hughes, and Paul Lofthouse volunteer their hair cutting skills to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Mr Evan, who lost his brother to suicide in October last year stressed the importance of men opening up about the issues they are facing before it's too late. 

He said: "I want to be able to stop anyone else getting to that point.

"Where I'm from in Coventry it's a quite a working class city where you get a lot of head strong lads who find it difficult to talk about any problems that they have. I've been there and this helps me bringing it up in my salon."

Witney Gazette: Lions Barber Collective hair professionals offer free haircuts at Oxford Railway Station for men’s mental health.Lions Barber Collective hair professionals offer free haircuts at Oxford Railway Station for men’s mental health.

Paul Lofthouse, 40, who runs The Den in Warwick, is the third barber giving cuts for three today and has worked with the collective for around 2 years. 

He said: "If you get the right training you can really help your clients with mental health. We see them regularly so we get to see if there's changes in behaviour. For example if someone usually turns up in a suit and they're coming in a track suit on a weekday. And then you ask how their work is going, and give them the chance to talk about it in a safe space. 
"It can really make an impact. I think people open up because it's quite an intimate space when you're letting someone cut your hair. It's really important to build those relationships and help people find the right help." 
Witney Gazette: Station worker Andrew Canteell, 41, after his fresh trim. Station worker Andrew Canteell, 41, after his fresh trim.

This morning the two chairs in their pop up barber's at Oxford Railway Station were scarcely empty.

This evening from 6pm until 8pm they will also be running a pop-up and talks at Witney College. 

Witney Gazette: Leanne Hughes puts the finishing touches on a free hair cut given at Oxford Railway Station.Leanne Hughes puts the finishing touches on a free hair cut given at Oxford Railway Station.

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