A BOURNEMOUTH based charity who have been supporting individuals with mental health issues during lockdown has received an award from the High Sheriff of Dorset.

RJVN8 Mental Health’s Clean Cut from Covid initiative, to improve people’s mental wellbeing by proving mobile hairdressing and styling facilities, received a High Sheriff ward on Monday following its support services during the coronavirus outbreak.

The charity have been supported by many Bournemouth and national businesses including United Taxis, Eco Natural Products, Ashworth Decor, The Little Pantry Cafe, Prama Care and Jimmy's Iced Coffee.

Dorset’s new High Sheriff George Streatfeild said: “This brilliant and innovative initiative has enabled support for NHS frontline staff and those with mobility challenges unable to make it to the salon, with haircuts whilst supporting local mental health projects during the lockdown period of the pandemic.

“The project has demonstrated amazing community spirit in a time of tremendous difficulty.

“The support has enabled RJVN8 Mental Health alongside its partners to make this a massive success.”

The aim of RJVN8 Mental Health is to simplify and accelerate access to cutting edge services and normalise the stigma attached to asking for help.

After taking over 300 bookings in the first 48 hours of their launch and receiving a lot of positive feedback from clients, the charity have extended the project until September, with a further 762 bookings in the calendar.

Donations from haircuts are used to give back to the community to support counselling, therapy sessions and mental health projects.

Co-founder of RJVN8 Mental Health, Edward Bates said: “It feels unbelievable to receive an award from the Queens representative the High Sheriff of Dorset, this is all thanks to our local partners who have supported the initiative.

“The event has shown brilliant community spirit in a time of tremendous difficulty and support which has enabled RJVN8 Mental Health alongside its partners to make this a great success.”