We all know that being a hairdresser is just one of the many different relationships we have with our clients. On top of this, we are their confidante, their counsellor and often, their friend. Whilst we’re one of the first to hear about their great, life-changing moments, we often bear the responsibility of listening to their sad news too. Through my work as a salon hairdresser, I’ve learnt first hand how challenging it can be to have difficult conversations with a client, especially during the grieving process. We have never been trained to handle these difficult conversations, so it can be hard to know what to say.
That’s why I’ve become a Patron for Project Eileen, a registered charity that was founded to proactively help teenagers cope with bereavement, death and grief, mainly through providing schools with free multimedia teaching resources on these important topics.
Recently, Project Eileen has expanded their remit. For the second year running, the charity are teaming up with barbers and hairdressers nationwide for their fundraising and awareness campaign, Hair Raising 23. Running from 14th to 28th October 2023, Project Eileen has produced an exclusive Fact Sheet for hairdressers and barbers with practical advice on how to talk to clients who are experiencing bereavement and grief.
As the first of its kind in the hairdressing industry, the Fact Sheet includes details of grief support – such as examples of helpful things to say and topics to avoid mentioning – as well as information on the process of grieving and the emotions involved. Every salon and barbershop taking part in Hair Raising 23 will be provided with a campaign pack containing the Fact Sheet and a video guide on how to talk to bereaved customers.
I hope these resources become fully integrated into every salon’s training programme and client care lessons. They offer the skills and knowledge to help our staff navigate difficult conversations with confidence and compassion, and this is truly important.
The video was filmed with me in various Brighton salons, who are all supporting the Hair Raising campaign. It would be great if you could all take part by signing up now ready for October. To get involved in Hair Raising 23 and receive the exclusive Fact Sheet, please email: hairraising23@projecteileen.co.uk.
Follow Andrew @Andrew_barton_hair and @andrewbartonlondoneducation ABLE Andrew is:
UK Creative Ambassador for salon-only brand Keune.
Creative Director Racoon Hair Extensions Honorary Ambassador The Hair & Barber Council Hairdresser Ambassador The Little Princess Trust
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