According to The Children’s Society, there has been a 50% increase in mental health problems experienced by young people.
Hertfordshire-based Chats and Cuts is dedicated to arming hairdressers and barbers with the tools they need to promote better mental health in younger clients
‘We’re not creating quasi-counsellors or therapists with this initiative, we are aiming to upskill hair professionals to have complex conversations and respond with helpful signposting,’ starts Sam Arnold, co-founder of new mental health initiative Chats and Cuts.
With over 18 years of barbering experience under his belt, Arnold was increasingly conscious of the importance of hairdressing for conversations surrounding mental health. Alongside journalist Sarah Todd, he set out to create Chats and Cuts, which empowers hairdressers and barbers to ‘connect, listen and signpost’ with young clients during a haircut.
Through the appointment of four Stevenage-based businesses, the pair have installed easy-to-scan QR codes onto the mirrors of popular hairdressing locations. The Cutter, MADE Men, MADE Women Hairdressers and Kenny Arnold are all playing their part to ‘make an enduring difference to young people’s mental wellbeing’.
‘Our ambassadors primarily do three things while giving young clients a safe space to chat,’ explains Todd, speaking exclusively to the British Beauty Council. ‘They connect by beginning conversations in a gentle, authentic way before actively and compassionately listening. Finally, they signpost to further support where appropriate via our QR code stickers on their mirrors and windows.’
Currently, each scannable code is full to the brim with resources. From The OLLIE Foundation, a suicide intervention and prevention charity, to First Steps ED, which provides care and support for anyone affected by eating difficulties and disorders, the founders have curated the most trusted resources, covering numerous areas of wellbeing.
Awareness of the importance of hairdressers and barbers to the local community, and the power of their client relationships is increasing; however, Todd and Arnold noticed a gap in support for teens.
Todd said: ‘Young people can carry huge weights. As trusted adults and natural listeners, hairdressers and barbers are uniquely positioned to listen and provide a positive, supportive response to their young clients… the programme will help professionals gain the confidence to help strengthen a child’s foundations of self-worth.’
Firmly rooted in Stevenage, due to Sam Arnold’s family ties to salons in the area, the leaders have plans to take the initiative nationwide. ‘The QR code directory can be altered to suit various regions,’ confirms Todd. Before saying: ‘We see Chats and Cuts as a collaborative project and would love to extend our concept.’
And, extension is key, knowing the lack of resources that are allocated to mental health services in Britain. ‘Businesses in the UK still have no legal stipulation to have a Mental Health First-Aider, which we find incredible,’ explains the co-founder.
‘That’s why, we ensure that each Chat’s and Cuts business has an MHFA England Mental Health First Aid Ambassador for Children and Young People… through this work, we are continuing our passion to influence social change.’
You can find out more about Chats and Cuts here.
