Call for hairdressers and barbers to show heart for a very worthy cause
Following on from Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month held in May, GRC is determined to keep the conversation flowing by taking a proactive approach against domestic violence.
To do this, Council is joining forces with Hairdressers with Hearts to train 80 local hairdressers and barbers to be able to recognise the signs of abuse with clients that walk through their doors.
Hairdressers with Hearts is a not-for-profit organisation who engage with experts in the field of domestic and family violence and elder abuse to create a series of training modules on how to recognise the signs of abuse, how to initiate conversations, what help is available, where to refer for support and how to practice self-care.
Council will also work collectively with the Gladstone Coordinated Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence (CCRDFV) group to tailor information to the Gladstone Region and create ongoing support for participants.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the program aims to harness the intimate and trusted relationship commonly found between hairdressers or barbers and their clients.
“Hairdressers with Hearts acknowledges that hairdressers and barbers are frontline in the community and have intimate conversations with clients walking through their doors on a regular basis,” Councillor Burnett said.
“The program trains hairdressers following the Recognise, Respond and Refer principles and provides them with the tools to handle difficult conversations as well as an accreditation for themselves and the salon they work in.
“By joining forces with Hairdressers with Hearts, Council is keeping the conversation surrounding domestic and family violence flowing and not restricted to the month of May.
“Unfortunately, domestic and family violence can occur at any time of the year, so it’s important that we continue to advocate for its prevention throughout the entire year.”
CCRDFV secretary Wendy Morris said they were delighted that Gladstone Regional Council is investing in the Hairdressers with Hearts program across our region.
“Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) impacts all sorts of people across our whole community,” Ms Morris said.
“Providing education for local hairdressers and barbers will assist them to recognise clients who may be impacted by DFV and assist them to find support.
“As Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month has just finished, it is wonderful to know that conversations around creating a community free of violence will continue to happen.”
Interested hairdressers (including home and mobile salons) and barbers throughout the Gladstone Region can contact Council’s Community Engagement Centre for registration information on 4970 0700 or email info@gladstone.qld.gov.au.
Registered Salons will receive:
- One registration to complete our flexible online learning program
- Training Certificate upon completion
- Digital tile for use on website/e-signature
- Listing on the Hairdresser with Hearts website as an accredited Hairdressers with Hearts individual or salon
- Membership decal for salon door or window identifying them as an accredited Hairdressers with Hearts salon
- Salon starter pack containing Hairdressers with Hearts merchandise including spray bottles, cutting capes, a brochure stand and printed tailored referral resources.
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