IN BUSINESS Barber helps customers deal with anguish issues
ARUNCORN barber is helping men to cut through the issues and handle mental health issues with one-to-one chats as they sit in his chair.
Odin Swann, who runs Odin’s Barbers at The Heath Business And Technical Park in Runcorn, has just one chair in his shop which means he has time to focus on one customer at a time and engage them in meaningful conversation, allowing them to open up about any issues or problems they may be facing.
After being left homeless six months ago following the breakdown of a relationship, Odin found solace by going into the gym at The Heath Leisure Suite where he met fitness manager Mark McGrath.
He is now putting his life experience to use empathising with those in his barbershop, which he keeps low key.
Odin told the Weekly News: “It’s a very small barbers’ shop.
“I have chosen it to be like this for a very good reason – one-on-one, no interruptions chat.
“I want people to know that it is a safe zone for people to come in and have a chat or just chill and play the X-box.”
He added: “I was doing some mobile barbering when I was homeless, and Mark suggested I should open my own shop in a room at the Leisure Suite and it’s been really successful.
“As I have just the one chair it gives me the chance to have some meaningful conversations with my customers.
“If they confide in me that they have mental health issues or depression, I listen and try to help by referring them to local organisations who can offer support.
“I wasn’t in a good place myself, but I do know that you can turn things around if you have some help and support. Meeting Mark at the Leisure Suite inspired me to open my shop and I’m now qualified to recognise and refer people to the relevant services should they need it.”
Lesley Banks, The Heath sales and marketing manager, said: “We are acutely aware about issues such as mental health, depression and loneliness and we stage lots of events giving people the opportunity to meet and talk to each other.
“Odin’s barbers’ shop is a fantastic idea and an important contribution to our community initiatives.”