Pride Spring 2022

London’s Only Gender Neutral Barbershop by Ryan Ford While the resurgence of the “Traditional Barbershop” was perfect and timely, it also brought forth a very male dominated industry and a “boys club” mentality. I was very lucky to find an apprenticeship at Glassbox Barbershop in Toronto, where they fostered an environment of inclusivity. One of a kind in the city, we flourished, offering barbering services to men and women who had the desire for a “good fade”. J.S. Ryan & Co., is a gender neutral space, both in design and ambiance. Salons are too “feminine”, while barbershops are too “masculine”. We are not a barbershop, nor a salon. We are “the in between”. It’s not just a haircut, it’s an experience. Providing a welcoming space for everyone, we offer a full range of barbering services (including straight shaves), along with premium hair colour services that will rival any salon in the city. Unbeknownst to most, our industry is incredibly underpaid. Either commissionor chair rental, it’s never fair. As someoneon the receiving end of poor commission, but also with a background in business and finance, I have decided to create a pay structure that is unheard of in this industry. We offer the highest pay rates in the industry, bar none. As of January 2022, my staff will have Group Benefits. This does not exist for hairstylists or barbers, even in a large corporate environment. The only way to make change, is to just do it. J.S. Ryan & Co. is not just about hair. We are about People and our Community. J.S. Ryan Co. Barbershop & Salon is located at 250 Ridout St. South (at Chester). Call 519-204-2055 or book online jsryanco.com

Free Transportation to Mental Health Support for Youth To help individuals aged 16-25 living in rural Middlesex County access mental health and addiction support, the Road to Mental Health (RMH) program was established and offers free taxi services to and from the Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre in London for youth in crisis who reside in rural northwest Middlesex (focused on Lucan, Parkhill, Strathroy, Exeter and neighbouring communities). If you are a youth living northwest Middlesex and require transportation to your mental health related appointments, please contact your mental health organization to see if they provide free rides with RMH. As an essential health care service, RMH is always open and operational for those in need. RMH is made possible through support from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation (London, Ontario) and local donors, and the partnership between MINDS of London-Middlesex, CMHA Elgin- Middlesex, Star Taxi, and the Lucan and Parkhill Public Libraries. How to Access 1. Individuals in need connect with Reach Out via phone, text or webchat at 519-433-2023 or www.reachout247.ca.* 2. The Reach Out worker will assess the individual’s situation and if needed, they will connect them with a ride to the Crisis Centre via Star Taxi. 3. Upon their arrival, the individual will receive adequate care and support, which could include assessment, supportive counselling and/or referrals to other services. *If you are under the age of 16, please contact Tandem for 24/7 support where a trained professional can connect you with a ride to mental health and/or addiction support through RMH.

Free transportation to and from mental health support in London for youth ages 16-25 who live in Northwest Middlesex county (includes Lucan, Parkhill, Strathroy, Exeter and surrounding areas). Free transportation to and from mental health support in London for youth ages 16-25 who live in Northwest Middlesex county (includes Lucan, Parkhill, Strathroy, Exeter and surrounding areas). Free transportation to and from mental health support in London for youth ages 16-25 who live in Northwest Middlesex county (includes Lucan, Parkhill, Strathroy, Exeter and surrounding areas).

PRIDE Villager

Page 10 Issue 8 • Spring 2022

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