It’s a new year, and Diane’s calendar is already packed! She has so much exciting news to share it’s going to take several blog posts to get through it all.
For now we’ll start with a few causes near and dear to her heart and how Thanx is supporting them this year.
QPR - Question, Persuade, and Refer
In the beginning of February, Diane will be facilitating a workshop on Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) which is a method to help someone who might be in a difficult mental state and possibly contemplating suicide. The Suicide Awareness Foundation of Berks County reached out to Diane for her help to get this information out to other hairdressers.
Hairdressers are a hub of the community. They touch people—literally and metaphorically—and often build long-term relationships with their clients which allows them to notice when someone is struggling. But without training, it can be hard to know what to do in these situations. Humans naturally run away from a fire—and when we’re near someone contemplating suicide, especially if we don’t know them too well, we often get nervous. Should I get involved? How do I get involved? Am I blowing this out of proportion? Diane’s goal is to teach hairdressers the QPR method so they are more confident about what questions to ask, what persuasive words to use, and how to refer someone to agencies that can help.
It’s not anyone’s responsibility to “save” someone else. But research shows that some people who are considering suidice just need someone to look them in the eye and ask if they are okay. Many of these people feel overwhelmingly alone and invisible, and just feeling seen during a low moment can help them tremendously. Everyone can benefit from learning QPR, not just hairdressers. Having the courage and confidence to reach out to someone who’s struggling may have more impact than you’ll ever know.
Breast Cancer Support Services
For twenty-seven years, Diane and her stylists have served women experiencing medically induced hair loss with personalized wig fittings in the Thanx Wig and Makeup Boutique.
On March 14th, she’ll be taking her knowledge on the road to lead a Hair Care Workshop at the Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County. She’ll share info on fine thinning hair, wig care, and what to do when your hair starts growing back after treatment. The goal is to help women who are going through chemo look good and feel better. Feeling more confident about their appearance helps raise their self esteem and makes it easier to go about their life in this difficult time.
In August, Diane will support Breast Cancer Support Services again by being the hairdresser for their fashion show fundraiser.
Happy Galentine’s Day!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Thanx is here to help you pamper yourself or the special ladies in your life! Contact us today to book a manicure or a hair appointment, or even make a day of it with some gal pals. If your beau is looking for a gift that lasts longer than flowers, encourage them to purchase you a Thanx gift certificate or something special from our new skincare partner Motives. You’ll hear more about that exciting partnership in our next post.
–
This post was written by Amy Miller, freelance writer and Thanx superfan. You can find out more about her writing services and her personal journey at her blog: A Novelist’s Guide to Rewriting Your Life.