Many a story has been told over the hairdresser’s chair and many a secret told between snips at the barbershop. Barbers and hairdressers often become more than a stylist, serving as a confidant, making them more likely to tackle topics like mental health and substance abuse.
BarberShop Talk and SalonTalks will be held in February at two different businesses. These free sessions will give participants a better understanding of mental health conditions and of local community resources. It will also provide an opportunity for naloxone training to reverse opioid overdoses.
The BarberShop Talk will be facilitated by Gary “Trey” Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker and author who specializes in breaking barriers and stigma surrounding mental healthcare. Taylor earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from George Mason University. Taylor, a former local therapist and owner of Uphold 31:8, partnered with RACSB in 2022 to host the first Barbershop Talk, a public conversation about mental health held at a local barbershop. Three additional events were held in 2023.
Antaysia Nance, a licensed clinical social worker with Youth Life Services, will facilitate training at the SalonTalks event. Nance supports clients to find healthy coping tools and provide a safe space to process these difficulties. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University.
The sessions will be:
· SalonTalks, Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m. at Flawless Beauty Bar; 6330 5-Mile Centre Park Suite 402; Fredericksburg, Va. 22407
· BarberShop Talk will be held Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m. at Diced the Barbershop; 17488 Center Drive Suite 3C; Ruther Glen, Va. 22546.
Download event flyers here.
For details, email prevention@rappahannockareacsb.org.