Project supports the wellbeing of customers

Dimples Health and Beauty Salon is the latest organisation to join East Kent Mind’s Ambassador Project.

The initiative trains staff in salons, barbershops and tattoo parlours to support the mental wellbeing of customers.

The one thing all these commercial settings have in common is that a large slice of their customers visit them regularly. This means with training staff in these outlets can provide wellbeing support to their customers.

East Kent Mind provides free training and support to staff to enable them to spot signs of anxiety in customers, be non-judgemental listeners and able to signpost a customer on to additional help should they need it.

In the Ramsgate area the project is funded by Ramsgate Town Council where the charity has been working with a small group of barbers and stylists as part of its initiative supporting men and women with poor mental health.

Simon Dolby from East Kent Mind said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the team at Dimples involved.”

Originally the initiative only focused on barbershops following research that revealed men are statistically more likely to discuss mental health issues with their barber than with their GP. This places barbers in a unique position to be able to help men battle anxiety and depression.

Following the success of the pilot, East Kent Mind has identified hair salons, nail bars and tattoo parlours as locations where individuals also tend to be loyal patrons, and the relationship between a staff member and customer can assist with wellbeing.

All these commercial settings have a high follow-up rate with clients providing opportunities to spot changes in mood or extremes, such as too much sleep or not enough sleep, losing weight or gaining weight.

To find out more email simondolby@eastkentmind.org.uk