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Within the energetic commune of this area, renowned for its commercial energy and dynamic nightlife, an understated transformation is unfolding. Locally, beauticians are stepping up positions as psychological well-being counselors, giving supportive conversations together with grooming.

A Pioneer in Social Aid

This professional, a seasoned hairdresser, has dedicated two decades not only transforming locks but furthermore providing emotional guidance to her clients. Someone who left school early, she once tried being a teller before choosing her path in hairdressing.

“Don’t think negatively,” Tano counseled an anxious young person nervous over academic failure. “If you don’t succeed, why assume that you have failed in life?”

Mental Health in Africa: A Stigma Issue

Based on data from the global health body, more than 116 million people in this region suffer from mental health problems. However, therapy is scarce, with just a handful of professionals on hand per a large population.

Throughout Black communities, styling studios have become comfort zones, especially in regions with little or no options for psychological support.

Healing Through Hair: A Program Bringing Change

A nonprofit organization, active in Cameroon, another nation, and Togo, started the Heal by Hair project. As stated by the organization's leader, the director, over many professionals underwent coaching over the past couple of years to serve as therapeutic first responders, reaching more than many individuals.

Within this decade, the target is to educate over a thousand stylists across multiple nations.

‘The Faith Is Already There’

The project was inspired from a personal heartbreak. Over a decade ago, the founder experienced a murder while visiting her home country Cameroon. The incident remains unsolved.

“I passed that difficult time in grief alongside my stylist,” de Putter shared. “She was the individual I felt safe with the most as you are simply in the presence of people and there's uncertainty the perpetrator's identity.”

Driven by her story, the organization completed a 2021 study across seven French-speaking nations. The data revealed that a large majority admitted to sharing with their beauticians, and in excess of nearly all stylists said that patrons had sought their counsel.

Training and Support

The program involves a complimentary, intensive short-term training with psychiatrists and advisors who educate hairdressers about active listening, violence against women, symptoms of mental strain, and fundamental psychology theories. Once finished, tests are taken before being awarded a diploma.

“The course proved effective … I received my certificate and this knowledge,” said Thérèse Gueu, pointing to a educational material in her studio in a local neighborhood.

Over six months, participants receive ongoing support through support networks and connections with a psychological referral system. When a customer shares serious issues, stylists can guide them to professional psychologists, or for instances of abuse at home, to the authorities.

Obstacles and Successes

Initially, funding for the project relied on de Putter’s savings, but currently, private donors and agencies like France’s Development Innovation Fund are contributing. Nevertheless, resources remain limited for the amount of work facing the foundation’s small team of 17 paid staff and about supporters.

In spite of these obstacles, the program has tales of happiness and healing. Locally, a participant employed someone who had been in a mental health facility, giving reintegration support.

“Commonly after an illness and you've received care, society labels you have problems,” noted the founder. “But if you have a job and someone who accepts to support you, you escape the misconception.”

Another professional departed her situation as she was a victim of violence, but now helps people. In certain areas, beauticians mention that several gentlemen have also sought for guidance.

Satisfaction and Meaning

Across the hairdressers, there is a general sense of fulfillment over their new role as a form of psychological aid in their neighborhoods.

“When individuals visit discuss their challenges to me, it’s a pride for me too because I realize that I provide support for someone,” commented she. “I reflect that we all need someone.”

“For numerous hairdressers, it represents the initial validation as a figurehead in their community and a guardian,” added de Putter. “These women state to us: ‘Before I only doing hair, currently I provide care.’”