STRESSED-OUT West Somerset fathers looking for somewhere relaxing and friendly where they can chill out and maybe have a chat about their problems are finding it in an unexpected place - the barber’s chair

The Dad Barber project, started by charity fund-raiser and former Minehead hair salon owner Daniel James, is providing a pop-up barber’s shop and other activities where men can meet others for a chat, a walk, or a pint in the pub, and feel part of a positive, friendly community.

Mr James, who is also dad co-ordinator for Minehead Home Start charity, said: “We are all under strain nowadays with money problems and fears about the way the world is going, but men are often more reluctant to talk about what is bothering them than women are.

“I have been a hairdresser for 25 years and I have always said the best place to get people to talk and open up is in the barber’s chair.

“You are almost like an undercover counsellor, people are likely to come and talk to you when they would not go to a mental health therapist because they believe there is a stigma connected with that.

“I am trying to get into as many places as I can where I can give dads help and support, as well as a good haircut.

“There is a lot of support out there for mums and children, but sometimes dads can feel isolated.”

As a travelling stylist, Mr James uses his pop-up barber’s shop to give fathers a haircut while also providing customers with an opportunity to share what might be on their minds.

He currently visits Hinkley Point C nuclear power station site monthly and trims at least 12 customers per session.

Mr James said: “It is an important place to go because a lot of male workers are away from their families and it is good to give them the option of having somebody to talk to.

“It is quite common for somebody to be in the chair for half-an-hour just chatting and chilling out.”

Mr James hopes to make monthly trips to other isolated areas, including farming communities, where men are known to suffer from stress-related problems.

He said: “What we are doing is more than just pop-up shops.

“We also run dad walks once a month where everybody is welcome, whether you are just looking to meet some other dads, enjoy the walk, or share a couple of pints.

“The idea is to encourage regular meet-ups and conversations with others.

“It is all about making conversations easy and natural, no pressure, no judgment.

“Whether you are after a good haircut, a friendly chat, or just some time out with other dads there is a welcome and a place for everybody.”

Mr James is now planning trips out and visits to sporting events and other activities.

He said: “The goal is simple, to help dads feel less alone, more confident, and part of a friendly and supportive environment.”

More information is available by emailing [email protected] or calling 07483123652.