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In the vibrant commune of the locality, renowned for its business drive and active social life, a subtle change is happening. In this place, hairdressers are stepping up positions as psychological well-being advisors, giving someone to talk to alongside haircuts.

A Trailblazer in Local Assistance

This professional, 49 years old, has invested twenty years not only transforming hair but furthermore offering emotional guidance to her clients. Without formal education, she once worked as a bank cashier before finding her calling in hairdressing.

“Avoid negative thoughts,” the stylist told an anxious student nervous over academic failure. “Should you not pass, why assume that you have failed in life?”

Psychological Care in the Region: A Taboo Issue

Based on data from the global health body, in excess of a huge number residents in this region face mental health problems. Yet, professional help is limited, with just a handful of professionals on hand per each 100,000 people.

Throughout local neighborhoods, hairdressing salons function as trusted environments, notably in regions with minimal availability of therapy services.

Healing Through Hair: An Initiative Making a Difference

The Bluemind Foundation, working in Cameroon, another nation, and Togo, started the Heal by Hair program. According to the program's creator, the founder, in excess of hundreds of stylists underwent coaching during the previous two years to function as therapeutic first responders, reaching in excess of many individuals.

By 2030, the aim is to train over numerous professionals across multiple nations.

‘The Confidence Is Already There Present’

The project was inspired due to a personal tragedy. In 2012, she became a widow when traveling the region of her homeland. The event has not been closed.

“I endured my first night after losing my husband in the company of my beautician,” she recalled. “She was the person I confided in completely because one is merely encircled by others and it's unclear what happened.”

Driven by these events, the organization completed a research project across multiple Francophone countries. The results showed that 77% of responders confessed to confiding in their hairdressers, and more than the vast majority of professionals reported that customers had sought their counsel.

Coaching and Backing

The initiative features a no-cost, comprehensive three-day program with psychiatrists and counselors who educate participants about active listening, domestic abuse, indicators of emotional distress, and introductory mental health principles. Following the training, they are evaluated before being awarded a diploma.

“The program proved effective … I earned my diploma and this knowledge,” shared another hairdresser, pointing to a psychology textbook in her salon in a local neighborhood.

During half a year, participants get follow-up help through community circles and availability of a professional support network. If a customer discloses deeper troubles, hairdressers can refer them to professional psychologists, or for instances of family conflict, to the police.

Difficulties and Achievements

In the beginning, financial support for the project was primarily from the founder's own money, but now, individual contributors and organizations like an international fund are contributing. However, resources remain limited for the volume of demand facing the foundation’s small team of 17 paid staff and about unpaid helpers.

Regardless of these challenges, the program has tales of happiness and recovery. In Togo, a participant employed a person who had been in a psychiatric hospital, giving a fresh start.

“Commonly after an illness and you were in the hospital, others claim you are unstable,” noted she. “So if you find work and someone who accepts to support you, you get out of the misconception.”

One more stylist left her residence as she was a survivor of abuse, but now helps people. In certain areas, hairdressers mention that some male clients have begun to approach for advice.

Satisfaction and Meaning

Among the stylists, exists a common sentiment of accomplishment over their new role as a form of emotional support in their communities.

“As individuals visit explain their problems to me, it's an honor for me too since I realize that I am an ear for someone,” said the hairdresser. “I believe that everyone requires support.”

“For many of these women, it represents the initial validation as a leader in their neighborhood and a guardian,” added she. “The participants express to us: ‘Before I was just working as a hairdresser, currently I support well-being.’”