College’s Jen loses hair in bid to highlight mental health
A WORKER at Burton and South Derbyshire College has had her hair shaved off to raise awareness and funds for a mental health charity.
Admissions coordinator Jen West decided to do it after previously battling with her own mental health.
She is helping Rethink Mental Illness, which provide support across the UK to those living with mental illness, their carers, friends and family.
Jen, who had her head shaved in the college’s Innovations Hair and Beauty Salon, said: “The majority of people who know me will be completely unaware that I’ve had quite a battle with my mental health.
“I will always be grateful to those who have helped me to become mentally more resilient and whilst I know mental illness will always be in the background, it doesn’t define me and it won’t beat me. My hair has always been the one feature that I have taken pride in. Some days it wakes up with a mind of its own, but it has always been there for me as a safety blanket, covering me especially on those difficult days where it’s a struggle to keep going.
“By taking that away, I am exposing myself and eliminating the one thing I’ve always hidden behind.
“The shave itself was a tough challenge, but the weeks after is where I will most definitely feel more on show will be the real test for me, but I want to convey that you don’t have to hide from mental illness, you’re never alone and there’s always somebody rooting for you!”
To sponsor Jen, visit her fundraising page at https:// www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/jennifer-west4