Gary Parsons, Master of Ceremonies.
On Saturday, October 13, at the Serenity Restaurant, Waterways, Bongaree, more than 200 guests turned up for the official launch of Hairdressers with Hearts and the main theme was to emphasise the “No More Silence” campaign.
The afternoon was hosted by Gary Parsons and there were three guest speakers, Belinda Ferguson ISLAND and Surrounds Newspaper, Sonia Colvin Founder of Hairdressers with Hearts and Fiona from Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) and Founding Board Member of Hairdressers with Hearts.
Belinda spoke about a 79 year old woman, Aunty Marg, who was kicked out of her family home suddenly and consequently had nowhere to go, so she turned to couch surfing before contacting government housing for assistance, with no good result, the closest accommodation they could find for Marg was at Margate. When Hairdressers with Hearts found out about her, it was only a short time before they had her in a one-bedroom unit in Bongaree and had furniture and appliances organised for her as well. Marg is now a volunteer for Hairdressers with Hearts, and so very, very grateful. Her story is only one of many.
Domestic violence is broken down into seven categories: 1. Physical, 2. Emotional, 3. Sexual, 4. Social, 5. Cultural/Religious, 6. Psychological and 7. Verbal.
Hairdressers with Hearts has a hands-on licence, they get very close to their clients and it’s amazing how people open up while getting a haircut, they talk about anything and everything and it’s not only women but men as well. The call goes out to all hairdressers and barbers to join the fight against domestic violence.
Services in the Moreton Bay region offer:
Free confidential face to face and telephone counselling for adults who have experienced Domestic and Family Violence;
Counselling for children and young people who have experienced the same thing;
Crisis support – Advocacy – Counselling – Information and referral and Assistance to complete Protection order applications;
Court support a Caboolture, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Sandgate Magistrates courts;
Referral to other agencies/services;
Specialised short-term courses for people who are/or have been affected by Domestic and Family Violence;
Community awareness, education and training;
Keeping Safe at Home Program – safety upgrades for families to stay in their own home.
Unfortunately, one in three women will experience sexual assault and or domestic violence at some stage of their lives.
Things to remember:
DV Connect 1800811811, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Centre against Domestic Abuse (CADA) 07 54989533 and
1800 RESPECT, 1800737732, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, phone and on-line counselling for sexual assault, domestic and family violence.
For more information you can contact Sonia Colvin on 0452401063 or e-mail hairdresserswhearts@gmail.com or connect with them on Facebook.
Hairdressers with Hearts are proudly supported by the Island and Surrounds, Hair 4507, Bribie Bowls Club, Bribie RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Knoble and Davis Real Estate and many more people and organisations including the Serenity restaurant. You can follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hairdresserswithhearts
Hairdressers with Hearts are calling for as many hairdressers and barbers to get involved.