Rockford Sun

The Barbershop Project, a new initiative aimed at interrupting the cycle of violence and supporting the mental wellbeing of clients, is set to kick off with a Free Haircut Event. The event will take place at Comprehensive Community Solutions in Rockford on Monday, January 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. Barbers and beauticians will be on hand to provide free haircuts and share information about the project.

According to the Mayor's Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, the Barbershop Project is a collaborative effort between local barbers and beauticians, the Grassroots team, and various organizations such as the Family Peace Center, NAMI of Northern Illinois, and the LIAM Foundation. The project aims to provide training on mental health, domestic and sexual violence, and community resources to barbers and beauticians. This training equips them with the knowledge to address these issues when customers present them in their shops.

"The Barbershop Project highlights the important role that barbers and beauticians can play in supporting the mental wellbeing of their clients," says a spokesperson from the Mayor's Office. "By providing them with the right tools and education, we can create a network of individuals who can help interrupt the cycle of violence and promote a healthier community."

In addition to the Free Haircut Event, the Mayor's Office, along with Comprehensive Community Solutions, Northwest Community Center, the Community Life Center, and NAMI of Northern Illinois, will be hosting monthly community conversations on topics related to mental health and trauma. These conversations aim to destigmatize these issues and provide safe spaces for discussions.

The Barbershop Project is an innovative approach to addressing violence and mental health within the community. By harnessing the influence and trust that barbers and beauticians have with their clients, this project aims to create a supportive network that can make a real difference in people's lives.

So mark your calendars for the Free Haircut Event on January 22 and take part in this important initiative. As the spokesperson from the Mayor's Office says, "We encourage the public to come out, meet the barbers and beauticians, get a free haircut, and learn about the Barbershop Project. Together, we can create a community that supports the mental wellbeing of all its members."