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In the vibrant neighborhood of this area, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and lively nightlife, a quiet revolution is unfolding. In this place, hairdressers are embracing functions as psychological well-being supporters, giving supportive conversations in addition to haircuts.

A Pioneer in Social Aid

This professional, in her late forties, has spent two decades not only cutting and styling hair but furthermore giving mental health advice to her clients. A school dropout, the hairdresser earlier was employed as a financial clerk before finding her calling in the beauty industry.

“Avoid negative thoughts,” she advised a concerned teenager nervous over academic failure. “Even if you fail, how is it possible to believe that you have failed in life?”

Emotional Well-being in the Region: An Unspoken Issue

According to the World Health Organization, over millions of people in the continent suffer from mental health problems. But, professional help is limited, with just a handful of professionals present per many individuals.

Across Black communities, beauty shops have become comfort zones, notably in localities with minimal options for mental health care.

Heal by Hair: A Program Creating Impact

This charitable group, active in Cameroon, another nation, and Togo, has launched the Healing Through Hair initiative. As stated by the program's creator, the director, over hundreds of stylists underwent coaching during the previous couple of years to serve as initial support providers, assisting more than many individuals.

In the coming years, the target is to train over numerous professionals across 20 countries.

‘The Confidence Is Already There In Place’

The project originated due to a personal tragedy. Years back, the founder became a widow when visiting her home country her homeland. The event is still open.

“I endured that difficult time in grief with my hairdresser,” de Putter shared. “She was the person I trusted the most since you are simply encircled by people and it's unclear who could have done this.”

Motivated by her story, the foundation conducted a recent survey across multiple African states. The findings revealed that most participants revealed sharing with their beauticians, and in excess of 90% of hairdressers reported that their clients had requested guidance.

Coaching and Backing

The initiative features a no-cost, intensive multi-day course with mental health experts and advisors who instruct trainees about supportive dialogue, violence against women, signs of depression, and fundamental psychological concepts. Once finished, they are evaluated before receiving a certificate.

“The course proved effective … I received my qualification and these tools,” commented Thérèse Gueu, pointing to a educational material in her salon in a working-class area.

Throughout a period of months, hairdressers get continuous assistance through community circles and access to a professional support network. When a patron reveals serious issues, stylists can refer them to qualified therapists, or in cases of abuse at home, to the police.

Difficulties and Achievements

In the beginning, funding for the initiative was primarily from the founder's own money, but today, private donors and agencies like a support agency are contributing. Nevertheless, resources remain limited for the amount of work facing the group's compact crew of 17 paid staff and about supporters.

In spite of these difficulties, participants report stories of joy and improvement. Locally, a participant employed someone who had been in a psychiatric hospital, providing a fresh start.

“Often after an illness and you’ve been hospitalised, others claim you are unstable,” noted the founder. “So if you find work and a person who agrees to guide you, you get out of the misconception.”

One more hairdresser departed her residence due to she was a survivor of abuse, but currently supports others. In certain areas, hairdressers say that some male clients have begun to approach for guidance.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Within the hairdressers, there is a general sense of fulfillment over their new role as a type of psychological aid in their local areas.

“Whenever clients approach share their issues to me, it’s a pride for me too since I know that I am an ear for an individual,” commented she. “I believe that each person needs a confidant.”

“For a lot of hairdressers, it’s their first recognition as a influencer in their society and a protector,” noted she. “These women state to us: ‘Before I only styling, today I provide care.’”