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LOCAL BARBERS BECOME MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Lorenzo Lewis, Executive Director of The Confess Project, is teaming up with Parkview Health, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Fort Wayne Girls Rock to help men of color with their mental health.

Men are getting hair cuts and opening up, and the barbers cutting the hair are learning how to be mental health advocates through what Lorenzo calls The Confess Project.

"The barber is the only person that can get close to a man with a razor or any sharp object, and while understanding that, it's also a person they can really end up trusting," Lewis explained.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness said only one-quarter of African-Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40 percent of whites.

Deonte Williams said there are plenty of times where he's been the voice of reason when people sit in his chair for a haircut.

"You have people that sit in your chair everyday opening up to you. You don't expect it. Everybody that sits in your chair is a different person. They may start general conversation and then you fall into conversation, and then they tell you they're going through something. You don't recognize it off top, but they confide in you because they trust you," Williams said.

It's that trust they believe could help men of all ages. DeMarcus Benson said this is a cool way to do it.

"We got to be creative and we got to find different ways to tackle the young mind, so I think this is something beneficial," Benson said.


 
 
 

13 Comments


10homeless
4 hours ago

This is such a powerful initiative! It's amazing how barbers can become confidantes. It really highlights the importance of having someone to talk to, especially for men who might struggle to open up. Sometimes, just a casual conversation can make a huge difference. On that note, if anyone is feeling isolated and wants to connect with someone anonymously for a chat, there are platforms out there like Omegle where you can talk to strangers about anything on your mind. It's a place to vent, share, or just listen.


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katinaalleged
7 hours ago

This is such an innovative approach to mental health support! It reminds me of how unexpected connections can happen - like how in Funny Shooter 2 , you never know what strategy will help you succeed. These barbers are becoming real-life advocates, creating safe spaces for men to open up. Breaking down stigma one haircut at a time is truly powerful.


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This initiative is truly inspiring-using barbers as trusted allies in mental health advocacy is both innovative and practical. It’s amazing how spaces like barbershops can become safe zones for honest conversations. Similarly, games like Infinite Craft could also play a role in mental wellness by creating supportive virtual communities. Combining real-life trust and digital engagement might lead to even greater mental health support for men of color.

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The Confess Project in Fort Wayne empowers barbers to become mental health advocates for men of color, addressing a disparity in mental healthcare access. Barbers, trusted confidants, provide a unique avenue for open conversation and support. This initiative, partnering with Parkview Health and others, uses creativity to engage and help young minds. Playing Wordle Unlimited daily can also be a helpful mental exercise.


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