Barber to give free haircuts at Maughold men's health day in memory of mentor

A Manx barber is to offer men free haircuts at a mental health event in Maughold on Sunday 1 November, dedicating the day to a mentor who died last month, Isle of Man Today reported.

Josh Moore, who founded and owns Renegade Cuts and Clobber, will set up a temporary barbershop at the Venture Centre for the day, one of the events being held on the island to mark International Men’s Day.

Mr Moore told the paper he wanted to give men somewhere to talk and be heard, not just a trim. He said taking part in BarberTalk, a programme run by The Lions Barber Collective, had stayed with him.

He said the barber’s chair “can be a safe space. A place to talk. A place to listen”.

Mr Moore said he and his team would be cutting hair in memory of Ash, who had been their barber teacher, mentor and friend. Isle of Man Today reported that Ash died in October and that his death has been keenly felt among the island’s barbers.

There is no need to book a haircut. Men can add their name to a list when they arrive and will be given a time, with cuts on offer all day.

The wider event is being run by Connect Outdoors with support from Appleby and Build A Skill, under the banner “Take action, stay healthy!”. The programme includes:

• high ropes and archery
• bushcraft
• a walk to Maughold Head
• yoga and breathwork
• an ice bath and sauna
• sessions for fathers and sons
• a free lunch

Organisers said everything is free, and people can come for a single activity, half a day or the whole day. Donations are welcome but not expected.

Places on activities can be reserved via the events section of connectoutdoors.im.