This article was first published in Star Weekly Sunbury & Macedon Ranges on 3 June 2022.
The Cut the Silence campaign, aimed at getting men to talk about their mental health, will launch on the first day of Men’s Health Week, which runs from June 13-19.
It’s set to be a ripper show too – the lineup for the afternoon includes the first The Voice Australia winner Karise Eden, as well as Paper Jane and Jarrod Shaw.
The campaign includes a range of videos in which actor and Macedon Ranges resident Shane Jacobson has conversations at a Romsey barber shop around mental health with other blokes from the area.
A number of local barbers signed up to the initiative, which involved them taking part in a half-day suicide prevention training course – Star Weekly interviewed Nor’West Barbershop owner Kurtis Barry about his involvement last month.
The event is brought to punters by Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG) and Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH), with funding assistance from North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
SCCH health promotion team leader Lauren Tyrrell said participating barbers are not expected to take the place of a counsellor.
“The idea is that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to have conversations with others who might be showing signs of not coping,” Ms Tyrrell said.
The show is on Monday, June 13 from 1pm to 5pm. Tickets are $15, $5 of which will go to MRSPAG, and includes finger food. Children under 18 are free.
Tickets at cut-the-silence.eventbrite.com.au
If you or anyone you know needs mental health support, contact Lifeline on 131114 or text 0477 131 114.
