Conversations in the Chair returning to Shepparton

‘Conversations in the Chair’ is an information session for hairdressers, beauty therapists and others in the personal service industry interested in increasing their awareness of gender-based violence in the community and how to best support clients who may disclose family violence issues.

Violence against women and family violence is a significant public health issue with serious social, economic and health consequences for women, their families and communities. Engaging the whole community in prevention and giving community members’ skills for respectful conversations has a proven effect on stopping violence before it starts.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said local government have an important role to play in gender equality.

“Council partners with other community service organisations to explore measures which may prevent family violence and which respond to the needs of victim survivors as part of the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan,” he said.

“I encourage anyone in the personal service industry to attend the event and learn more about the role they might play in supporting their clients.”

Women’s Health Goulburn North East gender equity trainer Irene Day said the sessions were designed to equip personal service practitioners with the skills to feel comfortable handling, referring and supporting people who disclosed family violence issues.

“We know that people feel really comfortable with, and genuinely trust, their hairdressers and other personal service practitioners, and that they can sometimes disclose very personal information,” she said.

“It’s important to us to give these workers support so they are equipped with information about referral pathways, along with exercising self-care in what can sometimes be a confronting situation.”

Conversations in the Chair is a free event. Bookings are essential as places are limited.

Date:   Monday 5 December, 2022

Time:  5.30pm – 7.00pm

Venue: North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre, 14 Parkside Drive, Shepparton

Bookings: Via Eventbrite