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Within the vibrant commune of Yopougon, known for its commercial energy and dynamic nightlife, an understated transformation is unfolding. Here, beauticians are stepping up functions as psychological well-being advisors, offering someone to talk to in addition to grooming.

A Trailblazer in Community Support

The stylist, a seasoned hairdresser, has invested two decades not only cutting and styling locks but also offering mental health advice to her patrons. Without formal education, the hairdresser earlier tried being a financial clerk before discovering her passion in hairdressing.

“Stay positive,” she advised a concerned young person nervous over poor results. “If you don’t succeed, how is it possible to believe that everything is lost in life?”

Mental Health in Africa: A Stigma Subject

According to the World Health Organization, in excess of millions of people in the continent face mental health problems. However, counseling is limited, with just a handful of professionals available for every many individuals.

Throughout African-descendant populations, beauty shops are now comfort zones, particularly in localities with little or no availability of psychological support.

Hairdressers as Healers: A Program Bringing Change

This charitable group, active in Cameroon, another nation, and Togo, has launched the Healing Through Hair initiative. As stated by its founder, Marie-Alix de Putter, over 400 hairdressers underwent coaching during the previous couple of years to serve as therapeutic first responders, helping in excess of 100,000 women.

In the coming years, the goal is to train over a thousand stylists across various regions.

‘The Confidence Is Already There There’

The program originated from a deeply personal loss. Over a decade ago, de Putter became a widow when traveling the region of Cameroon. The case remains unsolved.

“I spent that difficult time as a widow alongside my stylist,” the founder said. “This professional was the individual I confided in the most that night since you’re just surrounded by others and you don’t know the perpetrator's identity.”

Driven by her story, the organization completed a research project across multiple Francophone countries. The results revealed that 77% of responders confessed to sharing with their hairdressers, and over 90% of hairdressers stated that patrons had requested guidance.

Training and Support

The program includes a free, intensive multi-day program with mental health experts and counselors who educate participants about supportive dialogue, domestic abuse, symptoms of mental strain, and introductory psychology theories. After completion, they are evaluated before being awarded a credential.

“The course was highly successful … I earned my certificate and this,” shared another hairdresser, pointing to a psychology textbook in her studio in Abobo.

Over a period of months, hairdressers receive follow-up help through community circles and access to a mental health service network. When a client reveals deeper troubles, hairdressers can refer them to qualified therapists, or in cases of abuse at home, to the law enforcement.

Obstacles and Successes

In the beginning, funding for the initiative relied on personal funds, but now, philanthropists and agencies like a support agency are helping. Nevertheless, funding is scarce for the volume of demand facing the group's compact crew of workers and about unpaid helpers.

Regardless of these difficulties, the program has accounts of success and recovery. In one country, a participant took on a person who had been in a treatment center, offering a fresh start.

“Commonly following treatment and you were in the hospital, people say you are unstable,” noted she. “However, if you have a job and a person who agrees to guide you, you get out of the stigma.”

A further professional left her residence due to she was a survivor of abuse, but currently supports others. Locally, hairdressers mention that a few men have also sought for guidance.

Satisfaction and Meaning

Across the stylists, is present a common sentiment of satisfaction over their new role as a source of comfort in their local areas.

“As people come to share their issues to me, it's an honor for me too because I understand that I provide support for an individual,” said she. “I believe that we all need someone.”

“For numerous participants, it represents the initial acknowledgment as a figurehead in their society and a guardian,” added she. “These women express to us: ‘In the past I only working as a hairdresser, currently I support well-being.’”