Hairdressers and barbers are being asked to cut out 30 minutes of their time to help tackle domestic abuse. Salford Community Safety Partnership is launching a new ‘Cut It Out’ campaign, offering free training to people in the hair industry.
Delivered by the Safe in Salford service, which provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone suffering domestic abuse, the 30-minute online or in-person session will help those taking part to understand domestic abuse. It will advise on how to gently raise concerns with a client or how to respond and where to signpost them if someone confides in them.
The idea, devised by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been successfully tried in other areas of Greater Manchester, say town hall bosses. Coun Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety at Salford city council, said: “Hairdressers and barbers build up a relationship over time with their regular customers and can tell if something is wrong, as well as spotting any signs of physical abuse.
“Getting their hair done might be the only time someone is free from an abusive or controlling partner so it’s a golden opportunity. We want to make sure men or women experiencing domestic abuse get the right advice and information about services which can help them and with over 200 hairdressers and barbers in Salford this could go a long way to spreading that message.
"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone but no-one should have to live with it.” The training sessions start from Monday March 6 and are available Monday daytimes and Wednesday evenings. For more information or to book a slot please email chris.wood@salford.gov.uk.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is advised to call Safe in Salford Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 0161 793 3232 or email info@safeinsalford.org.uk or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 on 0808 200 0247 (translators available if needed.) In emergency always call 999.
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