(Social Emotional Wellbeing) Social Worker Hair dresser’s program- Social Emotional Wellbeing “Having a haircut and yarn lessens the stress” It is really important for people to have a respectful, culturally appropriate safe place where they can have fun and open up by sharing feelings of loneliness, grief and loss in yarning. It supports the work with Aboriginal people more effectively, and brings relief and at the same time can enhance the therapeutic engagement. Women and men who are grieving like to talk and find in this safe place an opportunity to engage, speak up and express their emotions (ventilate). The same time, someone needs to listen to them, support them and arrange care for them (validate). Often when grieving people get down on themselves the hairdressing and coloring lifts their spirits so they feel better about themselves and feel more hopeful. Therefore, the hair dresser’s program is a safe place for people to connect, feel safe and find support that they need from UTHS. Aboriginal people have a deep sense of identity from feeling valued, and wanted. They gain this from being part of wider group and community in which they live and a community with which they identify and are respected in. These aspects of wellbeing make up who they are, and their identity and each one of these aspects influences their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. During 3rd and 4th November 2021, UTHS was able to arrange hair dresser’s program and women and men both were able to participate and get the service. According to the clients, it helped them to feel better and connected which are very important aspects in promoting the person’s wellbeing.
Benefits from the program:
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Better looking hair gives you a great confidence boost. The act of pampering can reduce stress and give you a mood boost. Less stress means that you have more mental resources to tackle life. Take care of yourself – start with something as simple as a hair cut. Social Connection -connecting with others is a vital part of reducing stress and depression no matter what you talk about! Yarning and sharing stories made each participant deal with past difficulties, grief and trauma by getting the pain out.
