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Within the vibrant commune of Yopougon, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and active evening scene, a subtle transformation is happening. In this place, beauticians are taking on functions as emotional wellness advisors, giving someone to talk to together with grooming.

An Innovator in Local Assistance

Adjoua Catherine Tano, in her late forties, has invested a long career not just cutting and styling tresses but additionally providing psychological support to her customers. A school dropout, the hairdresser once tried being a teller before discovering her passion in the beauty industry.

“Stay positive,” Tano counseled a concerned student fearing failing exams. “Should you not pass, why assume that everything is lost in life?”

Mental Health in Africa: An Unspoken Subject

As reported by the global health body, more than 116 million people in Africa experience mental health problems. But, therapy is limited, with merely 1.4 mental health workers available per each many individuals.

In Black communities, beauty shops function as comfort zones, notably in localities with scarce access to therapy services.

Heal by Hair: A Program Bringing Change

This charitable group, operating in one country, Ivory Coast, and a third location, initiated the Healing Through Hair initiative. Per the program's creator, Marie-Alix de Putter, in excess of many professionals have been trained during the previous 24 months to act as therapeutic first responders, assisting in excess of many individuals.

By 2030, the aim is to train more than a thousand stylists across various regions.

‘The Trust Is Already There Present’

The program originated due to a deeply personal heartbreak. Years back, she lost her husband when traveling the region of Cameroon. The event has not been closed.

“I spent my first night in grief alongside my stylist,” the founder said. “This professional was the person I confided in the most as you’re just in the presence of others and there's uncertainty what happened.”

Driven by her story, the group conducted a recent survey across several African states. The findings showed that a large majority admitted to sharing with their hairdressers, and in excess of 90% of hairdressers stated that their clients had asked for advice.

Education and Assistance

The program features a no-cost, intensive short-term course with psychiatrists and counselors who teach trainees about supportive dialogue, gender-based violence, symptoms of mental strain, and fundamental psychology theories. After completion, they are evaluated before receiving a credential.

“The training was highly successful … I received my certificate and this knowledge,” shared a participant, pointing to a educational material in her studio in a local neighborhood.

During six months, hairdressers obtain follow-up help through support networks and connections with a mental health service network. If a client shares deeper troubles, beauticians can refer them to professional psychologists, or when there is abuse at home, to the authorities.

Challenges and Triumphs

In the beginning, resources for the program relied on de Putter’s savings, but now, philanthropists and organizations like a support agency are providing assistance. However, funding is scarce for the amount of work facing the organization's limited staff of employees and about supporters.

Regardless of these challenges, participants report accounts of success and recovery. Locally, one trainee hired someone who had been in a treatment center, providing social rehabilitation.

“Often following treatment and you were in the hospital, others claim you are unstable,” explained the founder. “But if you find work and someone who accepts to train you, you escape the stigma.”

A further stylist escaped her residence as she was a victim of violence, but now supports others. Locally, hairdressers say that a few men have also sought for counsel.

Pride and Purpose

Within the professionals, is present a widespread feeling of satisfaction over their new role as a source of emotional support in their neighborhoods.

“As clients approach discuss their challenges to me, I feel proud for me too because I know that I am an ear for someone,” commented Gueu. “I believe that we all need someone.”

“For numerous of these women, it’s their first acknowledgment as a figurehead in their neighborhood and a supporter,” said de Putter. “The participants express to us: ‘In the past I only working as a hairdresser, currently I support well-being.’”