Founder Highlights Beard Club’s ‘Super Supportive’ Role

Members of a beard club located in Blackpool have characterized the group as a “safe space” for men to discuss their concerns. The Sandgrown Beardsmen organization was established in the town by local barber Brian Eva, who is also a three-time beard championship winner. He explained that he had recognized how men’s social circles evolve over time and how some men might “feel a bit lost.” He stated, “There are guys that reach a certain point in their life where friendship groups sort of dissolve.” Mr. Eva, who recently earned the title of British Beard and Moustache Championship winner in the up to 12 inch natural category, founded the group in 2015 after experiencing the camaraderie of the “beard community.” He commented, “The beard community is super supportive for a lot of mental health issues that guys have.” “We just meet up in the barbershop once every month.” “I think a lot of people think he’s just going to be talking about beards, that’s not really a thing.“ “It’s just basically become a group of friends.” James Taylor, a member of the Sandgrown Beardsmen, joined the group after the passing of a close friend. He shared, “I lost a good friend to cancer and I was in a bit of a low place.” “I found this is my safe space. It’s a huge part of my life.” Fellow member John Craig noted that the group was very welcoming and that individuals attended regularly. He remarked, “Very few people turn up and do not come back again for another meet.” “Most of us are regulars after the first time.” Subsequently, Mr. Eva has been chosen to serve as a judge in an international competition in America, and Blackpool is scheduled to host the World Beard & Moustache Championships in 2027. He expressed, “One of our guys could win a world championship.” “It would be my dream if we had a North West winner.” For more content, listeners can access BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and engage with BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.