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In the energetic district of Yopougon, renowned for its commercial energy and lively nightlife, a subtle revolution is happening. Here, beauticians are stepping up positions as emotional wellness counselors, giving someone to talk to in addition to styling.

A Trailblazer in Social Aid

Adjoua Catherine Tano, in her late forties, has invested two decades not only transforming hair but furthermore giving psychological support to her clients. Without formal education, Tano earlier worked as a teller before discovering her passion in hairdressing.

“Avoid negative thoughts,” Tano counseled a worried young person fearing academic failure. “If you don’t succeed, why assume that everything is lost in life?”

Mental Health in the Region: An Unspoken Subject

As reported by the global health body, more than millions of individuals in Africa suffer from psychological issues. But, therapy is scarce, with just a handful of professionals present for every many individuals.

Throughout African-descendant populations, styling studios function as comfort zones, notably in regions with scarce access to therapy services.

Healing Through Hair: A Program Making a Difference

The Bluemind Foundation, active in one country, another nation, and Togo, has launched the Hairdresser Healing project. According to its founder, the founder, more than 400 hairdressers underwent coaching over the past couple of years to serve as mental health ambassadors, reaching more than 100,000 women.

By 2030, the target is to prepare in excess of 1,000 hairdressers across 20 countries.

‘The Trust Is Already In Place’

The project originated by a deeply personal tragedy. In 2012, she experienced a murder when on a trip her home country Cameroon. The event remains unsolved.

“I passed the initial evening as a widow with my hairdresser,” she recalled. “This professional was the one I trusted the most because one is merely surrounded by individuals and it's unclear what happened.”

Inspired by this experience, the foundation conducted a 2021 study across several Francophone countries. The data indicated that 77% of responders confessed to talking to their beauticians, and over nearly all stylists stated that their clients had requested guidance.

Coaching and Backing

The program includes a free, comprehensive multi-day training with specialists and counselors who teach participants about effective communication, violence against women, signs of depression, and basic psychology theories. After completion, assessments are conducted before receiving a certificate.

“The training proved effective … I earned my qualification and this,” shared a participant, pointing to a educational material in her salon in a working-class area.

Throughout a period of months, hairdressers get ongoing support through support networks and connections with a psychological referral system. In cases where a client shares deeper troubles, beauticians can refer them to qualified therapists, or for instances of abuse at home, to the law enforcement.

Difficulties and Achievements

In the beginning, financial support for the initiative came mostly from personal funds, but now, private donors and agencies like an international fund are providing assistance. However, support is insufficient for the amount of work facing the foundation’s small team of 17 paid staff and about supporters.

Despite these challenges, the program has accounts of success and recovery. Locally, a hairdresser took on an individual who had been in a treatment center, offering reintegration support.

“Often after an illness and you've received care, people say you’re crazy,” noted she. “So if you have a job and someone who accepts to train you, you escape the stigma.”

A further stylist departed her home due to she was a survivor of abuse, but now helps people. Locally, stylists mention that a few men have begun to approach for counsel.

A Sense of Fulfillment

Among the stylists, there is a common sentiment of accomplishment over their emergence as a source of emotional support in their neighborhoods.

“As people come to discuss their challenges to me, it's an honor for me too as I know that I am an ear for someone,” commented she. “I believe that everyone requires support.”

“For numerous hairdressers, it’s their first recognition as a leader in their community and a protector,” said the founder. “They are saying to us: ‘In the past I was just working as a hairdresser, now I provide care.’”