Vincent bell hairdressing launch 'in it together' mental health campaign

Edinburgh based salon, Vincent Bell Hairdressing has launched a mental health campaign titled ‘In It Together’ that aims to create awareness of mental health within the salon environment. Karen and Vincent Bell, the husband and wife team behind Vincent Bell Hairdressing, were inspired to launch the campaign after a recent visit from a woman who suffered from extreme anxiety and hadn’t visited a salon in over a decade. Vincent said: “Everybody has the right to feel good about themselves and often this is connected to having your hair done. If someones mental health is preventing them from visiting a salon then we need to address the situation and create safe, welcoming spaces that everyone can visit.” Vincent Bell Hairdressing has therefore created special ‘quiet’ areas out side the main thoroughfare of the salon so that appointments can be taken at the client’s pace, in a calmer, more serene environment. They have also been working with life coach, Lynette Gray to help equip team members with their own mental health concerns and learn how to speak with clients that struggle with their own mental health and wellbeing. “During my time with the team, we breathed and meditated together. My intention was to allow each member to nurture their ability to feel compassion for themselves and for others. If all team members can live from this heart space full of compassion then they can create a safe space for every client that comes into the salon,"said life coach Lynette. "For Vincent Bell Hairdressing to create an environment that is sympathetic to the needs of those with mental health concerns is a positive movement for the high street and humanity.” Karen added: “We’ve been touched by mental health issues ourselves. Family, friends, team members and clients – it affects everyone. We want to do something that would let those suffering know they can come to us and we’ll offer them some escapism.”