SOMETIMES talking with others in a safe and relaxing space is just what you need to lift your spirits – and that’s exactly what this Barnton salon is offering.
Oliver and Ella Gibney Hairdressing and Hair Extensions, located in Runcorn Road, will be hosting sessions where people who need some company can sit, chat, and mix with others – and they hope other places will try something similar.
The idea came about after Ollie and his niece Ella posted on social media to test the waters – and they were overwhelmed with the response.
Ollie posted: “After recent life changes with me and Ella, and coming across lots of people that are suffering with their mental health, we would like to invite people over to chat, whinge, whine and let their anxieties out together.
“This is a chance to meet new friends and a chance to chat and let things out, have a cry or have a hug.”
Ollie explained: “My salon is like a living room and clients will pop in for a cuppa, even if they don’t have an appointment.
“It just hit me how many people have been popping in more recently.
“I can’t be in a position where I see anybody else in a struggle and I thought we could have a day where we don’t open as a salon but people can pop in and talk, or just sit down with a drink - sometimes saying nothing is just what people need.
“It doesn’t have to be that people are feeling low or they have had something happen to them – so many people have just been feeling isolated after lockdown.”
After an amazing response on social media, the first session will take place at the salon on March 14 from 6pm.
“I can’t believe the response just from people speaking with me and saying what they get from coming to the salon is invaluable to them,” Ollie said.
“This will give people the opportunity to tell their story, not say anything, meet people, pop in for five mins, or stay for five hours.
“It’s about supporting people in our community who need advice, a friendship group, mental health support, help with a bereavement or just need to meet new people.”
The salon has also set up a community support group on Facebook called Secret Strength.
Ollie added: “We hope it can also inspire other places to do something similar.”
You can visit the group at facebook.com/Secret-strength-105094705465041/
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