Musket and Bayonet barber Jim Morrison said more than half his job involves talking and listening to clients.

It’s a kind of latent therapy he hopes to extend with social evenings where men can get together, have a chat and offload.

“I’ve found when you have a client in your chair they use you as a sounding board, 60 per cent of what we do is talk to our client,” Mr Morrison said.

“Before they tell anyone else, they tell you because you’re just cutting their hair and they can walk away feeling a bit better.”

The nights will be run with support from headspace.

“It won’t technically be a session, we’ll get a bunch of guys who are interested to come in for the night and we’ll get some nibbles, whoever wants to get a haircut can have a haircut, and have a chat,” Mr Morrison said.

Men are statistically less likely than women to seek help. On average one in five men will experience anxiety at some point in theior lifetime, and one in eight will experience depression – however only one in four men who experience anxiety or depression will access treatment, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.

In Australia there are on average 2,500 suicides a year, 75 per cent by men. On average six men suicide every day, making suicide the leading cause of death under the age of 65.

Headspace’s Andy Penny, who is developing a model for the sessions with Mr Morrison, said the pair were aiming to get the group running by mid-year.

“It’s around providing a safe space for young men.  Jimmy (Morrison) really wanted to create a space for young men to go and then headspace could chip in with some education and provide support,” Mr Penny, headspace’s youth engagement officer and HEY project worker said.

Mr Penny said having a safe space for men was “fundamental”. 

“The cliche, stereotypical image of men and being rough and tough and not wanting to talk about emotions, it’s probably one of the most harmful things to men. As cliche as it might sound it’s ok to talk about feelings. Jimmy just wanted to really have a space to address this.”

In Australia there are on average 2,500 suicides a year, 75 per cent by men. On average six men suicide every day, making suicide the leading cause of death under the age of 65.

For support and advice contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or headspace Ballarat on 5304 4777.

For support and advice contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.