BTS Fabrications managing director Philip Atkinson gets a trim from hairdresser and ex-Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton .
A CUT ABOVE
Ex-Big Brother winner on a mental health mission
Anthony Hutton gave a mental health talk at Aycliffe firm BTS Facades and Fabrications before handing out free hair cuts .
Former Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton , who also owns a hair salon in Darlington , has launched a campaign to encourage men to speak up about their mental health , following his own battle with depression .
The 41-year-old introduced his ‘ Never throw in the towel ’ campaign in a presentation at Newton Aycliffe-based manufacturing firm BTS Facades and Fabrications , where employees later had an opportunity to chat to him while enjoying a haircut .
Anthony , who won reality show Big Brother in 2005 , experienced severe depression following his stardom , however found stability after rekindling his love for hairdressing , where he now encourages his customers to have open conversations about their feelings .
The mental health advocate said his own recovery from depression and listening to others at his barbering job influenced his passion for encouraging others to speak up .
He said : “ I ’ ve experienced mental health issues myself , and I talk to men for a living , I have had men open to me in the barber ’ s chair and having experienced all of that I got to a point where I actively wanted to try to fight against this ongoing issue .
“ It ties in perfectly with being a barber ; it ’ s the one time where men get the opportunity to have a conversation , no mobile phone or distractions , just a chance to open up . “ My mission is to build a culture that encourages men to talk – it ’ s still something we all struggle to do .
“ As men , I think we think talking isn ’ t ‘ manly ’, but one of the main messages I would like to enphasise is there ’ s strength in talking , it ’ s not a weakness .”
His first presentation was held in front of BTS ’ workforce of 42 men , and four women . The workshop found that all of the women in the room admitted to opening up to friends about their feelings , in comparison to just one of the men .
Philip Atkinson , managing director of BTS , said he was astonished at the results , and wants to educate his team on the importance of being there for one and another .
“ I thought Anthony was brilliant , he ’ s got a lovely calm voice , everyone was listening intently .
“ To round it off for me , when we finished the presentation , we walked through the factory and there were people coming over to him and shaking his hand – to me , that was the best moment , as people appreciated why we ’ ve done this .
“ Admittedly , I get my hair cut by Anthony , and after each trim I walk out feeling a little lighter – it ’ s like a mini therapy session .”
Anthony has a number of workshops lined up , including a rambling walk which Phil is keen to encourage his workforce to attend .
Benjamin Thompson , BTS ’ northern business development manager , said he ’ s delighted to work for a company who take mental health seriously .
“ I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation ; it was a great way to approach a sensitive topic without making it boring or preachy .
“ I took a lot away from it , and the haircut was a bonus too .”
26 | Aycliffe Business