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In the bustling neighborhood of Yopougon, known for its commercial energy and active social life, a subtle revolution is happening. Here, beauticians are stepping up functions as mental health supporters, offering a listening ear together with styling.

A Pioneer in Community Support

This professional, a seasoned hairdresser, has spent two decades not only cutting and styling tresses but also offering emotional guidance to her patrons. A school dropout, the hairdresser previously worked as a teller before discovering her passion in hairdressing.

“Stay positive,” the stylist told a worried student fearing failing exams. “If you don’t succeed, how can you think that your life is over in life?”

Mental Health in the Continent: An Unspoken Subject

Based on data from the WHO, in excess of a huge number residents in this region face emotional disorders. However, counseling is scarce, with just a handful of professionals present for every many individuals.

Throughout African-descendant populations, hairdressing salons have become safe spaces, particularly in areas with little or no availability of mental health care.

Hairdressers as Healers: An Initiative Creating Impact

This charitable group, active in one country, another nation, and Togo, initiated the Healing Through Hair project. Per the program's creator, the director, over 400 hairdressers have been trained over the past two years to serve as therapeutic first responders, helping more than a large number of female clients.

In the coming years, the aim is to train more than numerous professionals across various regions.

‘The Confidence Exists In Place’

The initiative began from a deeply personal tragedy. Years back, she experienced a murder during on a trip the region of Cameroon. The case is still open.

“I spent my first night as a widow with my hairdresser,” de Putter shared. “This professional was the one I felt safe with completely since you are simply surrounded by people and it's unclear what happened.”

Driven by this experience, the organization conducted a recent survey across multiple French-speaking nations. The results indicated that a large majority admitted to sharing with their hairdressers, and in excess of the vast majority of professionals reported that their clients had asked for advice.

Education and Assistance

The initiative involves a free, in-depth three-day program with specialists and advisors who educate trainees about effective communication, violence against women, indicators of emotional distress, and fundamental psychology theories. After completion, they are evaluated before receiving a credential.

“The training went very well … I earned my diploma and this knowledge,” commented a participant, showing a psychology textbook in her studio in Abobo.

During six months, trainees receive ongoing support through community circles and access to a mental health service network. If a client discloses complex problems, stylists can refer them to professional psychologists, or in cases of family conflict, to the law enforcement.

Challenges and Triumphs

At first, resources for the initiative relied on the founder's own money, but now, philanthropists and agencies like an international fund are contributing. Nevertheless, funding is scarce for the scale of the task facing the foundation’s small team of employees and about unpaid helpers.

In spite of these difficulties, participants report stories of joy and healing. In one country, a participant hired someone who had been in a psychiatric hospital, giving a fresh start.

“Commonly following treatment and you were in the hospital, society labels you have problems,” said de Putter. “So if you have a job and a person who agrees to support you, you break free from the misconception.”

One more stylist escaped her residence due to she was a subjected to harm, but currently aids individuals. In some communities, beauticians say that a few men have started reaching out for counsel.

Satisfaction and Meaning

Among the hairdressers, is present a common sentiment of accomplishment over their rise as a form of emotional support in their local areas.

“Whenever clients approach discuss their challenges to me, it’s a pride for me too because I realize that I am an ear for another person,” commented the hairdresser. “I believe that everyone requires support.”

“For many participants, it represents the initial recognition as a influencer in their society and a supporter,” added she. “The participants express to us: ‘Previously I was just styling, now I do healing.’”