More Than a Haircut: How Scolli’s Barbers Supports Mental Health in Sunderland
Written by Simon Forster on 19th June 2025
The primary role of a barber has always been to provide professional hair services, primarily for men. However, beyond their technical skills, barbers often become trusted figures in their communities, offering a welcoming environment and fostering a sense of belonging.
Naomi Scollen of Scolli’s Barber shop in Sunderland said: “ I still think it is strange, that people will tell you their deepest darkest secrets to a complete stranger, and I have been here 23 years.”
Scolli’s Barber Shop has been a local haven for decades. Naomi and John Scollen explained how their work often goes beyond cutting hair, touching on clients’ mental health. During visits, the team—both male and female—engage in lighthearted banter, ask open questions, and share experiences. Most of their customers are regulars, a mix of men and women, and conversations often range from family matters to bereavement.
Naomi Scollen said: “I had one lad it must have been 15 years ago who came in and I noticed he looked terrible. He had not been to the shop before and I started cutting his hair, during the cut whilst in conversation, he said he wanted to kill himself, after losing his partner and child.”
These simple conversations during a haircut can lead to huge shifts in how someone feels—helping them leave in a happier, more comfortable state.
Owner John Scollen added: “People need to get something off their chest, and when they sit in the barber’s chair, they relax, additionally when someone is messing around with their hair, it is developing a relationship.”
Through regular visits, Scolli’s helps people build trust and social connections, making them feel less alone and more understood. In essence, the barbershop offers a unique opportunity to integrate mental health support into everyday life—promoting well-being and connection in the community.
