20th of March, 2020
Introducing the newest Aviva Ambassadors, Matt Brown and Sarah Clare Brown of My Fathers Barber and She is Not Your Rehab (SINYR).
A New Zealand born Samoan, Matt is an internationally acclaimed barber and hair artist, communicator, husband, and father of three children known for “giving great cuts” and “inspiring great men.” He is a survivor of family violence and childhood sexual abuse and shares his story with the men who frequent his busy Christchurch and Palmerston North barbershops, My Fathers Barbers, as a way to foster vulnerability, healing, and connection. A New Zealand Māori (Ngāpuhi) wāhine, his wife Sarah is a celebrant, writer and the communications manager of My Fathers Barbers and She Is Not Your Rehab. She is passionate about their mandate of “creating violence free communities” and has worked alongside Matt since his brand began.
In collaboration with Aviva and Mapu Maia, Matt and Sarah began hosting a monthly men’s anti-violence and mental health support group out of My Father’s Barber for which we have offered clinical training and perspective as well as access to further individualised support. Aviva is excited to continue working with Matt and Sarah to help people overcome violence, regardless of where they are in that journey. You can find out more about the SINYR men’s group at facebook.com/sheisnotyourrehab.
“Thank you, just thank you. Tonight, I experienced life, hurt, vulnerability, pain and how anger has ruined my heart, soul and destroyed my being. This is our journey of discovery in terms of healing my demons.” – anonymous attendee