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Across the energetic neighborhood of the locality, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and lively social life, a quiet change is taking place. Here, beauticians are taking on functions as mental health advisors, offering a listening ear alongside styling.

A Pioneer in Local Assistance

This professional, a seasoned hairdresser, has dedicated twenty years not only working on hair but furthermore providing emotional guidance to her customers. Without formal education, the hairdresser previously worked as a teller before finding her calling in the beauty industry.

“Don’t think negatively,” the stylist told a worried teenager nervous over academic failure. “Even if you fail, how is it possible to believe that you have failed in life?”

Mental Health in the Continent: A Taboo Issue

Based on data from the WHO, over 116 million people in Africa experience emotional disorders. But, professional help is in short supply, with merely very few specialists present for every 100,000 people.

Throughout African-descendant populations, styling studios are now trusted environments, particularly in areas with scarce options for therapy services.

Hairdressers as Healers: A Project Creating Impact

A nonprofit organization, operating in Cameroon, another nation, and Togo, initiated the Hairdresser Healing program. According to the program's creator, the founder, over many professionals underwent coaching over the past 24 months to act as initial support providers, assisting more than many individuals.

Within this decade, the target is to train in excess of a thousand stylists across 20 countries.

‘The Faith Exists In Place’

The initiative was inspired from a personal heartbreak. Years back, the founder experienced a murder when traveling the region of Cameroon. The case has not been closed.

“I passed the initial evening after losing my husband in the company of my beautician,” de Putter shared. “This professional was the individual I felt safe with the most that night because you’re just surrounded by individuals and there's uncertainty what happened.”

Driven by this experience, the group conducted a recent survey across multiple African states. The findings revealed that a large majority confessed to sharing with their beauticians, and over nearly all stylists stated that patrons had sought their counsel.

Coaching and Backing

The initiative includes a free, comprehensive three-day course with specialists and counselors who teach hairdressers about effective communication, violence against women, symptoms of mental strain, and basic psychology theories. Following the training, tests are taken before obtaining a certificate.

“The program was highly successful … I received my qualification and these tools,” commented another hairdresser, referencing a mental health book in her studio in Abobo.

During a period of months, hairdressers receive follow-up help through support networks and availability of a mental health service network. When a patron discloses serious issues, hairdressers can refer them to mental health experts, or when there is family conflict, to the police.

Challenges and Triumphs

In the beginning, funding for the project relied on personal funds, but today, philanthropists and agencies like an international fund are providing assistance. Nevertheless, resources remain limited for the volume of demand facing the group's compact crew of employees and about unpaid helpers.

Regardless of these difficulties, there are accounts of success and healing. In one country, one trainee took on an individual who had been in a psychiatric hospital, giving reintegration support.

“Frequently after an illness and you were in the hospital, others claim you have problems,” said de Putter. “So if you find work and someone who accepts to train you, you get out of the misconception.”

Another professional escaped her residence because she was a survivor of abuse, but currently supports others. Locally, beauticians say that some male clients have started reaching out for guidance.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Among the professionals, there is a common sentiment of satisfaction over their new role as a form of emotional support in their neighborhoods.

“As individuals visit share their issues to me, I feel proud for me too as I realize that I provide support for someone,” shared Gueu. “I reflect that each person needs a confidant.”

“For numerous of these women, it represents the initial recognition as a influencer in their neighborhood and a guardian,” noted the founder. “They are saying to us: ‘Before I was just doing hair, today I support well-being.’”