A Manx barber will offer free haircuts to men at an Isle of Man mental health event in memory of a mentor who taught him the importance of listening as well as cutting hair.

Josh Moore, owner and founder of Renegade Cuts and Clobber, will run a pop-up barbershop at the Venture Centre in Maughold on Sunday, November 1, as part of the island's International Men's Day celebrations.

The initiative is about more than a fresh trim, with Mr Moore hoping to create a welcoming space where men can talk, feel heard and support one another.

He said the experience of taking part in the BarberTalk programme, run by The Lions Barber Collective, had stayed with him.

'The barber's chair can be so much more than a place to get your hair cut. It can be a safe space. A place to talk. A place to listen. A place where someone might open up about something they've been carrying for a long time,' he said.

'Men's mental health matters. Checking in on your mates matters. And sometimes the simplest conversation can make the biggest difference.'

Mr Moore said the event had taken on particular significance as he and his team would be taking part in loving memory of their barber teacher, mentor and friend, Ash.

'Someone who meant so much to us and whose influence will always be part of what we do,' he said.

Close friends to Josh, Ash’s sad death earlier this month has hit the barber community hard.

The free haircuts will be available throughout the day, with no booking required. Visitors can simply put their name down on arrival to be allocated a slot.

The event is organised by Connect Outdoors, supported by Appleby and Build A Skill, and is built around the theme 'Take action, stay healthy!'

Alongside the pop-up barbershop, activities will include high ropes, archery, bushcraft, a walk to Maughold Head, yoga, breathwork, massages, an ice bath and sauna, and drumming around a fire.

There will also be sessions for fathers and sons, as well as a free lunch.

Organisers say visitors can attend for the whole day, half a day or just one activity, with everything offered free of charge. Donations are welcome but not expected.

The event aims to encourage men across the island to take positive steps towards happier, healthier lives while strengthening connections within the community.

Activities can be booked through the events page at connectoutdoors.im. Further information is available by emailing [email protected].