Truro hairdressers join together to support mental health
Update on Togetherall
From 1 July 2024, the Trust changed the way we offer online support for anxiety and low mood in Cornwall. We no longer offer services through Togetherall.
Instead, people in Cornwall will be able to connect with others, share experiences and access online peer support via Mind’s online community Side by Side
Launched in August 2020, Side by Side is a safe place where you can listen, share, and be heard. The community is open 24/7 and supported by a team of Mind professionals.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 0800 038 5300.
Original press release
This Stress Awareness Month, Truro hairdressers are uniting to raise awareness of a new online service to support those experiencing mental health issues. The Togetherall service, is being offered by the Trust as part of a programme of work to improve mental health services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Number 8 Hairdressing owner Claire Pascoe who is opening her salon to the hairdressing community explains:
“The importance of hairdressers was highlighted during the pandemic. Not only do we help people feel better about themselves by looking after their hair, but we also listen to people's worries and concerns. I'm proud that we can come together as a community, rather than competitors, to normalise discussions about poor mental health and signpost a service that could potentially help our clients deal with some of their problems.”
Free for anyone over the age of 16 with a Cornish postcode, Togetherall provides a safe, online space in which people can share advice, post concerns, and take part in discussions about issues that are troubling them. The service, which also includes courses on issues including anxiety and stress, is supported by trained therapists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist members if needed.
Jeremy Sandbrook, Consultant Psychiatrist, is one of a team of people working on improving mental health services in Cornwall and is speaking at the Number 8 event. He explains:
“A team approach is crucial for effective mental health services, and we welcome opportunities to work with communities like this group Claire has brought together to raise awareness and tackle the stigma we still see around mental health. Although they do not take the place of other services and professionals, digital resources can be very helpful, and crucially, accessible for people seeking support or help in relation to their mental health.”