A NORTH Belfast barber is offering free hair cuts this week to people struggling with their mental health.
Kevin McCloskey (25) announced the initiative on social media to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.
He wrote on Facebook that free hair cuts were for anyone "not feeling themselves".
He added: "This will not fix all your problems but we will definitely make you feel important."
Speaking to the Irish News, Mr McCloskey, who opened the barber shop four years ago, said the initiative had been well received.
"I lost a friend to mental health last year and that hit home," he said.
"I said `What can I do to raise awareness?'. There are so many men and women coming in and out on a daily basis. I think it is a great platform."
Mr McCloskey said clients were also being offered a free drink to help them feel comfortable.
The owner of Kevin McCloskey BarberCo on Antrim Road said he had welcomed "a lot more than we thought" as he initially thought people might be "wary" taking up the invitation.
"The response has been good. It's been a lot busier than I thought," he said.
"They have been very thankful. There have been a couple of them booked on our App. You can leave a note for the barber to look at. Some are leaving notes of what happened to them and why they struggle. The barber doesn't bring it up. We are happy to listen. There is no pressure. It is entirely up to them.
"I am hoping to make them feel just one per cent better. Some people have been locked up for a year and may not get to communicate as much as they would like."
