BROMSGROVE barber Declan Ball is aiming to complete 500,000 metres on a rowing machine throughout April to raise money for mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
He has also covered his barbershop, Declan Jacob’s barbering with window art that encourages anyone struggling with their mental health to come in and have a chat.
The main feature on the window is a quote from actress Glenn Close which reads ‘what mental health needs is more sunlight, more candour and more unashamed conversation’.
CALM aims to challenge stereotypes around mental health, offering a free and confidential web chat every evening between 5pm and midnight where those feeling down can talk about their problems.
It also offers help to those who have lost a loved one due to suicide through the Support After Suicide Partnership.
They pay particular attention to male mental health, with 75 per cent of all UK suicides being men.
Declan said: “Whilst having close friends and clients among the millions battling mental health, I felt my barbershop would be a great platform to make a difference where we can. I feel mental health needs to be talked about more.”
Declan will be documenting his machine rowing progress by posting updates and videos on his businesses Facebook and Instagram accounts @declanjacobsbarbering.
Visit https://gofund.me/0a7b4aa1 to donate to CALM through Declan’s fund-raiser.
