A SUICIDE prevention is working in partnership with local business owners to start more conversations about mental health and suicide.

The initiative by Every Life Matters is offering free suicide prevention training and resources to hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and tattoo artists across Cumbria.

It reflects the growing recognition of the role that various community members can play in supporting clients’ mental health and wellbeing.

Sarah Cameron, safer communities worker at Every Life Matters said: “As a county, we have to take action to reduce our stubbornly high suicide rates. The latest stats show that Cumbria has a suicide rate higher than the national average.

“Salon owners and barbers are perfectly placed to start conversations about mental health and suicide. By learning the skills and knowledge they can turn small talk into life-saving conversations.”

Every Life Matters, a suicide prevention charity based in Cumbria, works to reduce suicide by challenging the stigma and training local people to make a difference through simple conversations on the subject.

The team at Studio 89 in Egremont are some of the first to take part. Co-owner Kelly Armstrong, said: “We wanted to help raise awareness in our community of the issues surrounding suicide and to be able to confidently speak about this with those who may need a safe space to talk.”

Hairdressers, beauticians, barbers and tattooists to join a free training session taking place at Whitehaven Rugby League Football Club on Monday, April 15.