https://vimeo.com/715449894
Using barbers to tackle male mental health in the Macedon Ranges
Cut The Silence is an exciting new local campaign promoting barbershops in the Macedon Ranges as safe places for men to talk openly about what is going on in their lives – all while getting a haircut.
To promote the campaign, actor and comedian Shane Jacobson – a local resident – hooked up with some of his neighbourhood mates to film a series of short videos in which they discuss how ideas of what it means to be “a man” have changed for the better over the years.
His guests – resplendent in barber cloaks and sitting in the cutter’s chairs – include comedian Tom Gleeson and actor Stephen Curry.
Learn more about the campaign and view the videos here.
Five businesses have signed up to the campaign: Ace Barber in Lancefield, Joe’s Barber Shop in Kyneton, Danny’s and Nor’West Barbers in Gisborne, and JD Hair & Barber Studio in Romsey.
The barbers have received training on how to identify and talk to customers who appear to be struggling with their mental health. While they do not take the place of counsellors or mental health professionals, they have information and resources to guide customers towards help if they want it.
The concept for Cut The Silence came from Gisborne resident and advertising creative Mat Garbutt from Deadpan Pictures. It was launched by the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) and Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, and funded by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN), in the lead up to Men’s Health Week in June 2022.
Our work in the Macedon Ranges
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Macedon Ranges Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trial
NWMPHN partnered with Macedon Ranges Health to support the planning and delivery of the Macedon Ranges Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trial. Key projects and initiatives, developed with the local suicide prevention community network, are listed below.
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Community support for people living with mental illness
Local partners and MRSPAG worked with the Macedon Ranges community, including residents with lived experience of suicidal ideation, to develop a plan for better community and peer support.
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Promoting healthier masculinities in the Macedon Ranges
Local partners identified a need to better understand the dominant ideals of masculinity in the area.
The research will examine the extent to which the attitudes and behaviours of men and boys in the Macedon Ranges conform to traditional definitions of what it means to be a ‘real’ man, and how these can put them at risk of inflicting or experiencing harm. This project will also identify potential priority interventions to promote healthier masculinity and reduce harmful behaviours.
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Capacity building
A wide range of free suicide prevention education and training opportunities are available to equip Macedon Ranges residents with skills to assist anyone experiencing mental ill health.
Training includes safeTALK, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, Management of Suicidality and Borderline Personality Disorder training, Talking about Suicide in General Practice, Advanced Training in Suicide Prevention, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicide.
Suicide prevention and intervention
Free online suicide prevention training is available from the Livingworks Start program and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). for everyone in the community. Use the unique codes to sign up and learn how to see the signs and seek support.
Other suicide prevention and postvention services
We also fund a number of providers to deliver local suicide prevention services and support after suicide (postvention). Health professionals can use our System of Care search tool to find out where these services are delivered and who can benefit from them, and access referral pathways and forms.
Health professionals can also find clinical and referral information for local suicide prevention and postvention services on HealthPathways Melbourne.
Help prevent suicide in the Macedon Ranges community
Interested in undertaking suicide prevention training or related mental health training? It can be tailored to your needs, whether you’re a community member or work in a school, local business or community organisation. Email deepa.patel@mrh.org.au at Macedon Ranges Health or for more information visit the Macedon Ranges Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trial website.
Local services and online support
Services are also grouped for families, young people, LGBTIQ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, those seeking asylum, and carers. All services provide confidential support and are legally obligated to protect your privacy and handle your information with care. Many are free or low-cost. Please contact the service directly to find out if it is suitable for you. Click the image below to visit My Mental Health.
