On February 19th, 2019, Prince William’s visit to Pall Mall Barbers in London was both significant and heartwarming. As the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William is often seen as a figurehead for the British monarchy. But he is also a husband, father, and son – roles that have given him a unique insight into the importance of mental health awareness.
In a society that places such importance on appearance, it’s easy to forget that how we look on the outside is only a small part of who we are. During his visit to Pall Mall Barbers, Prince William spoke candidly about the need for men to break the mental health stigma and seek help when needed. He also praised our works and campaigns, which we modelled our business around supporting those with mental health issues.
The Prince’s visit was a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting those who have a mental illness. And it is hoped that his message will help to break down the barriers that prevent many men from seeking help.
The Story of Pall Mall Barbers
When Richard Marshall – CEO of Pall Mall Barbers first walked into the store in 2005, it was an old barber shop just off Leicester square operating under a different name, in desperate need of love and attention. It had been in family hands for around 50 years, and nothing had changed since the 60s. The family had been trying to sell it for 2 years, and when he walked in he knew it was fate – that he had to have it.
Richard remembers going into this store and it was really run down. It hadn’t been touched for like 50, or 60 years. There were yellow stains and smoke neck curtains, which were very dilapidated. But he fell in love with it as a kid.
The daughter of the owner was selling it, and obviously had a sentimental attachment to the shop – she wanted to see it go to someone who was just as passionate.
About six months after buying the shop, Richard was decorating the shop over the weekends – between cutting hair and running the business during the week – and found an old business card with the heading “Pall Mall Toilet Saloon”, dated around 1910-1914.
Once the business was modernized and running, and he felt he’d mastered running one store, Richard knew it was time to open a second. He trained one of his barbers, in management skills. Since then, He felt it really important to progress team members and give them opportunities. Opening a second store was one of the biggest challenges he faced in business.
Pall Mall Barbers’ Continuous Innovation and Our Commitment to Men’s Grooming
We exist to empower gentlemen to look and feel fantastic in order to take on the challenge of life and achieve their aspirations. Our dedicated team of male grooming professionals has a combined experience of over 450 and we are passionate about developing partnerships with our clientele through a deep understanding of what they are aiming to achieve. Every one of our clients receives a grooming experience that is bespoke to their individual needs.
This focused approach has led to us becoming the most awarded independent and the best barbershops in Europe with 23 award-winning products and over 10 industry awards across our services and products.
As the most highly reviewed barbers in Europe, we’ve set our sights on taking the traditional gentleman’s London barbering experience worldwide and what better place to start than in the Big Apple? New York has long been a part of Richard’s dreams of success – since watching Trading Places in his youth, he’s wanted to have his own barbershop in New York City.
We know that the gentlemen of New York will benefit from the attention to detail and expert knowledge and skill that our barbers bring to their work. Every visit to Pall Mall Barbers is more than just a haircut, it’s a lifestyle choice.
Prince William and Barbering as a Tool for Promoting Mental Health Awareness
The Duke of Cambridge (Prince William) is the second in line to the throne and the elder son of The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. His Royal Highness is married to The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, with whom he has three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The family’s official residence is Kensington Palace. His Royal Highness undertakes a number of charitable activities and projects and carries out public and official duties in support of The Queen, in the UK and overseas.
In 2017 The Duke spearheaded the Heads Together mental health campaign with The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, leading a coalition of eight mental health charity partners to change the national conversation on mental health. The campaign aimed to build on existing progress nationwide in tackling stigma, raising awareness, and providing vital help for people with mental health problems.
Prince William has been making headlines recently for his work in promoting mental health awareness. In addition to giving speeches and meeting with mental health professionals, Prince William has also been spending time at a local barbershop like his visit to Pall Mall Barbers.
Pall Mall Barbers is a place where men can relax and chat, and it’s clear that Prince William is using it as a tool to promote open discussion about mental health. In a society where men are often reluctant to talk about their feelings, the Prince is helping to break down barriers and open up new channels of communication.
Prince William Visit Pall Mall Barbers
Prince William arrived at the barbershop with our Founder & CEO Richard Marshall, battling the crowds of Royal fans who had gathered outside to witness the Prince in person. He spent time speaking with our barbers and talking about the importance of addressing mental health issues.
We gifted him with some of our award-winning products, and whilst he was in the barbershop he joked that he didn’t need too much help with haircuts anymore. Richard Marshall later said the occasion was ‘an incredibly special one which gave him a great sense of fulfilment and accomplishment.
In the News
The work that Prince William and his family are doing to draw attention to mental health has been precious, and the conversations are generating plenty of press coverage.
The visit attracted global media attention with Richard Marshall interviewed on ITV News London whilst General Manager Daniel Davies spoke live on Sky News. The Royal household covered the visit, with tweets and articles from Kensington Palace and the Royal Family as well as the Heads Together initiative. Additionally, The Daily Mail, Channel 5, Hello, People and the Daily Express all reported on this momentous occasion. The news even travelled as far as Australia and Canada!
Prince William’s visits to Pall Mall Barbers were also featured on the Royal Website, Tony Bowles Daily, Royal Life Magazine, Good Morning America, ABC News, and many more.
The Benefits of Regular Grooming for Men’s Mental Health
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget to take some time out for yourself. But making time for regular grooming can help to reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being. Anyone who has ever stepped into a barbershop will know that it’s more than just a place to get a haircut. It’s a place where men can relax, bond with other guys, and enjoy a bit of banter.
In fact, studies have shown that regular trips to the barber can have benefits for mental health. For instance, one study found that men who had regular haircuts were less likely to experience depression. Another study found that barbers could play an important role in identifying men at risk of suicide.
Pall Mall Barbers NYC is a great place to relax and unwind, and the soothing rhythm of the scissors can help to calm your mind. chatting with our barber can also be a good way to release some built-up tension. In addition, taking pride in your appearance can boost your confidence and self-esteem. So next time you’re feeling frazzled, book an appointment with Pall Mall Barbers NYC. It could do wonders for your mental health.
Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Health
Modern lives are exhausting, and full of anxiety – working in NYC can be particularly taxing on our mental health. Stressful jobs, long commutes, expensive rents and the increasing phenomenon of loneliness which can be exacerbated through social media – all build into a perfect storm. And on top of that, men are less likely than women to visit a doctor and receive treatment for their mental health conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, barbers are not just the people who cut your hair. They can also be a great source of support and advice, especially when it comes to maintaining good mental health. Here are some tips from professional barbers on how to look after your mental health:
- Talk to your barber. If you’re feeling down or struggling to cope with stress, don’t be afraid to open up to your barber. They’re likely to be a great listener and can offer helpful advice.
- Get a haircut that makes you feel good. Sometimes a change of style can make all the difference to your mood. If you’re feeling down, why not try something new?
- Take some time out for yourself. Having some “me time” is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for men’s mental health. Whether it’s getting a massage, going for a run or simply taking a few minutes to relax, make sure you schedule some time each week to focus on your wellbeing.
- Stay connected. Socialising and staying connected with friends and family is crucial for good mental health.
- Booking our Well-being treatment services. it’s like a mini facial, combining skincare with a facial massage and hot towel treatments and is typically combined with haircut services. Perfect for helping you unwind and relax, our well-being treatment is a little piece of self-care that can easily be worked into your day.
Prince William and Men’s Mental Health
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on men’s mental health. This is largely due to the fact that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women. As a result, many men suffer in silence.
Thankfully, initiatives like Heads Together are working to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. One of Prince William’s recent projects has been a barbershop campaign called ‘BarberTalk’. The idea behind BarberTalk is that barbers are in a unique position to start conversations about mental health. This is because barbers are often seen as trusted confidants. As such, they can provide a safe space for men to open up about their mental health.
So far, the campaign has been a success, and it is hoped that it will help to reduce the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Pall Mall Barbers Midtown
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