More Support and Funding For Hairdressers with Hearts DV Initiatives

Moreton Bay Regional Council and Unitywater have partnered to support Hairdressers with Hearts (HwH) through a joint funding arrangement which will provide $10,500 over the 2021-22 financial year. This will help give participating hairdressers and barbers the information and resources they need to refer their clients to domestic and family violence support services.

Hairdressers with Hearts is a local initiative founded by Bribie Island resident hairdresser Sonia Colvin, who has worked tirelessly with many councils in Queensland and around Australia who have joined with HwH as corporate partners.

Announcing the latest funding boost, Mayor Peter Flannery said the program is an innovative way to help tackle a growing community issue of family and domestic violence.

“This all started because a local hairdresser kept hearing distressing stories from her clients about their violence and abuse, so now we’re helping to empower local hairdressers to recognise the signs of domestic violence, respond sensitively and connect clients to professional support services.

“Domestic and family violence and elder abuse is a national epidemic impacting people across all ages, incomes and lifestyles with demand for support services continuing to rise.”

In addition to this grant, Council has provided HwH with $15,600 in funding for training videos, website development, a laptop computer and resource packs for local hairdressers and barbers.

“Being prepared to direct people to the right support can make all the difference, and even save a life”, he said.

Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said hairdressers are in a unique position because of the close relationships they have with their clients and often find themselves on the front line when it comes to dealing with someone experiencing domestic violence at home.

“Council’s support of this initiative demonstrates we not only acknowledge the problems of domestic violence within our region, we are committed to helping address and take a stand against all domestic and family violence”, she said.

More information is available from www.hairdresserswithhearts.com.au , email contact@hairdresserswithhearts.com.au , phone 0427 386 406, and www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Community-Support/Domestic-and-Family-Violence