Hair 4 Life – sHAIRing the Love!

Almost all FLO Pasifika Community Fund initiatives are now completed, and we’ve busy recently connecting in with those that are nearly finished.

One is the Hair 4 Life programme, run by Che Kerr and the Youth TEAM Trust. This month, Che presented at the Cut Above Academy’s ‘Wellbeing day’, which was attended by  approximately 80 students completing courses and diplomas in various areas of the beauty industry including hair dressers, barbers, special effects and makeup.

The programme, and Che’s presentations in particular, raise awareness about suicide prevention, including where to encourage others to access help and offering ‘Sharing is Caring’ help cards which include useful information and 0800 helpline numbers. In addition, the topic of self-care is included.

Often specialists/stylists focus on caring for their client’s aesthetic needs, but, as a result of spending a considerable amount of time building trust and chatting, some clients share matters of the heart including real life pressures. Many stylists Che had consulted with said when (clients) do share concerning issues, they (the stylists) are left carrying these concerns which they can’t leave behind when the working day ends.

The workshop was well received with a lot of discussion and, most importantly, the sharing of positive ways to release the pressures of the industry. This innovative presentation ended with the opportunity for participants to enter a draw to win a basket of industry-related goodies.

The Hair 4 Life programme is very much seen as an innovative project with feedback and support coming from across the country, as well as extended reach as a result of industry and media interest (Forma and Spasifik magazines).

Che Kerr (far left) with academy students and Le Va’s Yvonne Kainuku-Walsh (far right).

Hair 4 Life help cards

Che Kerr