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Across the bustling commune of Yopougon, famous for its commercial energy and lively nightlife, a subtle transformation is taking place. In this place, stylists are stepping up functions as psychological well-being supporters, offering someone to talk to together with grooming.

An Innovator in Community Support

Adjoua Catherine Tano, 49 years old, has spent two decades not only transforming tresses but additionally offering psychological support to her clients. Without formal education, the hairdresser earlier tried being a teller before discovering her passion in hairdressing.

“Don’t think negatively,” she advised a worried young person nervous over academic failure. “Even if you fail, how is it possible to believe that everything is lost in life?”

Psychological Care in Africa: A Stigma Topic

According to the WHO, over a huge number residents in the continent face emotional disorders. However, therapy is in short supply, with only 1.4 mental health workers present per each many individuals.

In African-descendant populations, hairdressing salons have become safe spaces, particularly in areas with little or no access to therapy services.

Heal by Hair: A Program Making a Difference

The Bluemind Foundation, active in Cameroon, another nation, and a third location, initiated the Hairdresser Healing initiative. Per the program's creator, Marie-Alix de Putter, more than many professionals have been trained in the last 24 months to act as mental health ambassadors, reaching in excess of a large number of female clients.

Within this decade, the target is to prepare in excess of 1,000 hairdressers across multiple nations.

‘The Faith Is Already There’

The initiative originated by a personal tragedy. Over a decade ago, she became a widow during on a trip her native her homeland. The incident has not been closed.

“I passed my first night as a widow in the company of my beautician,” de Putter shared. “The hairdresser became the individual I felt safe with the most that night since one is merely surrounded by people and it's unclear who could have done this.”

Inspired by this experience, the organization completed a 2021 study across several Francophone countries. The findings indicated that most participants revealed sharing with their hairdressers, and over 90% of hairdressers reported that customers had sought their counsel.

Education and Assistance

The initiative includes a no-cost, comprehensive short-term program with psychiatrists and advisors who teach participants about effective communication, domestic abuse, symptoms of mental strain, and basic mental health principles. Following the training, tests are taken before receiving a diploma.

“The course was highly successful … I received my certificate and this knowledge,” commented another hairdresser, showing a educational material in her studio in a local neighborhood.

Over half a year, participants receive follow-up help through peer groups and access to a mental health service network. When a client reveals complex problems, hairdressers can direct them to mental health experts, or when there is family conflict, to the police.

Challenges and Triumphs

At first, resources for the initiative came mostly from de Putter’s savings, but today, private donors and organizations like France’s Development Innovation Fund are providing assistance. Nevertheless, funding is scarce for the volume of demand facing the organization's limited staff of employees and about unpaid helpers.

Regardless of these obstacles, there are accounts of success and improvement. Locally, one trainee took on a person who had been in a mental health facility, offering reintegration support.

“Often after an illness and you were in the hospital, people say you have problems,” said the founder. “But if you find work and someone who accepts to guide you, you escape the misconception.”

A further hairdresser escaped her home because she was a subjected to harm, but currently helps people. In some communities, hairdressers say that a few men have also sought for counsel.

Satisfaction and Meaning

Among the stylists, is present a general sense of fulfillment over their new role as a type of comfort in their communities.

“When clients approach explain their problems to me, it’s a pride for me too as I realize that I provide support for someone,” commented the hairdresser. “I tell myself that everyone requires support.”

“For numerous hairdressers, this is the premier recognition as a figurehead in their society and a protector,” added she. “The participants state to us: ‘Previously I was just working as a hairdresser, currently I provide care.’”