That's what Fox and Co Hair Studio owner Richard Brewer believes is one of the key functions of his job, and now some hairdressers in the area will be better prepared provide help to their clients after completing a course which provided them with the knowledge needed to become an 'accidental counsellor.'

The course was organised through the Griffith Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) and chairwoman Margaret King said the course aimed to take the important knowledge needed to help someone dealing with mental health issues and provide them to professions which deal with a large proportion of the population.

"Hairdressers are on the front line," Ms King said.

"It's a really good group to focus on.

"They can on-train by talking to other colleagues and pass on that information."

Three massage therapists and 11 hairdressers completed the course, gaining knowledge on methods to provide help to incoming clients.

Mr Brewer said the course allowed hairdressers to become a port of call for those who may be suffering from situations like the drought and may not be able to visit or want the stigma attached with attending therapy.

"With the drought being a huge factor, we're looked upon more and more," Mr Brewer said.

"There's a lot of people that are turning to people like hairdressers and friends and stuff like that because there can be a waiting period for counsellors.

"A lot of people don't want to go to therapists because they don't want to go into that category."

The course provided knowledge regarding how to refer individuals to further help if it is deemed necessary and proper coping mechanisms to ensure those listening can maintain their own level of self-care.

Mr Brewer said learning proper coping mechanisms was one of his biggest takeaways from the course.

"It's not only for our clients but also for ourselves," he said.

"We've got to look after our own mental health as well.

"Listening to some people and their problems is one thing... but if it's something really to do with their mental health or their safety, we need to be able to do it [refer clients for further help and have proper methods of coping]."

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Fellow hairdresser Gillian Craig said learning about how to refer individuals and provide information for further help was particularly beneficial.

"People do find it [the studio] a safe space to talk," Mrs Craig said.

"They want to talk to someone they know and their hairdresser they know."

Mrs Craig said by reaching out to hairdressers, the discussion of mental health issues could be further normalised.

"Talk to somebody and anybody, even if it is your hairdresser," she said.

The course was funded through a scheme operated by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network which aims to help communities in drought-affected areas deal with create long-term community-led support options.

The course was taught by Rebalance Training's Amy Salmon, who garnered rave reviews from those undertaking the course, with both Mr Brewer and Mrs Craig expressing hope more courses are run in the future.

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