28.2 C
Accra
Sunday, August 3, 2025
WorldTattoo artists urged to take mental health training

Date:

Tattoo artists urged to take mental health training

Image caption, Mr Baillie said many appointments had become like therapy sessions

Tattoo artists and hairdressers are being encouraged to take a 30-minute training course on how to spot and support suicidal clients.

The course has been set up by military veterans‘ charity Help For Heroes.

Aaron Baillie, a retired Royal Engineer, now works as a tattoo artist in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

He said for many of his customers their appointments had become like therapy and “venting” sessions.

A YouGov survey, commissioned by the charity in July, found one in three veterans had felt suicidal in their lifetime.

The charity said that former armed forces personnel were more likely to turn to family and friends for support than to an official therapist.

It has created a free training course, external to help people spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health.

Graphic displaying Help for Heroes statistic
Image caption, Help For Heroes said there was evidence that salon staff often provided informal therapy

Mr Baillie, who has taken the training course, said: “I regularly tattoo serving military and veterans and, a lot of the time, the tattoo appointments become almost therapy and venting sessions.

“Having gone through some really tough times during and after my military career, I am able to empathise with my customers, who become friends.

“I think tattooists are perfectly placed to take this training and learn how to spot signs when someone might be struggling.”

Aaron Baillie
Image caption, Mr Baillie is a retired Royal Engineer with 22 years service

Help For Heroes said there was anecdotal evidence that salon staff often provided informal therapy sessions for veterans struggling with their mental health.

Scott Lovegrove is a friend, customer and former colleague of Mr Baillie.

He said: “I massively struggled when I first left the army and joined civvy street.

“So much so I was diagnosed with adjustment disorder.

“Trust is a massive issue when getting tattooed – it’s going to be on your body for the rest of your life so you need to trust the tattoo artist who is working on you.”

 

Source: BBC

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...