Ill health affects us physically and mentally, but when it comes to healing and taking care of ourselves, society often places a disproportionate focus on fixing physical conditions.
This is true of cancer. Yes, it wreaks absolute havoc on the bodies of those affected by it. However, much less attention is given to how it impacts the appearance and confidence of those affected by undergoing cancer treatment. Looking after your self-esteem and mental health is also of critical importance.
That’s where the Cancer Patients Foundation comes in. As the name of their program suggests, they’re committed to helping people affected by cancer treatment to look good and feel better by offering free, practical workshops.
Since 1990, Look Good Feel Better workshops have benefited more than 170,000 teenagers, women and men all over Australia. In exciting news for residents of the Sutherland Shire, they’ll soon be launching workshops in our neighbourhood!
Workshops are now being held at Gymea Tradies, every month until the end of 2022.
The workshops are designed to provide a comfortable and supportive group environment where a dedicated team of cosmetic, beauty and hairdressing professionals can address common concerns and changes to the appearance, which result from cancer treatment.
The workshop features:
- Skincare routine demonstrations to assist with side effects like dryness and sun sensitivity;
- Make-up tips to help correct and conceal redness, sallowness, pigmentation and dark circles;
- Techniques for drawing on eyebrows and eyelashes;
- Advice on headwear options, including scarf styling and wig selection.
The practical benefits, though, are only a small part of what you’ll gain by attending a workshop.
“Look Good Feel Better doesn’t just teach us the fundamentals of makeup or headwear, it also teaches us to be proud of who we are and what we’re going through.” – Allie, former program participant.
Every workshop participant receives a Confidence Kit full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetic industry, which you can use to practice techniques taught during the workshop before taking the Kit home with you.
The workshops also offer participants a valuable opportunity to meet others going through similar situations to themselves. Friendships and support networks forged through the workshops can provide significant comfort to people undergoing cancer treatment as they navigate their diagnosis and the treatment experience.
“The information was invaluable and the support was something no other service provider within the treatment experience was able to provide,” says Jo, who recently participated in the program.
If you’re unable to attend a workshop in person, the Look Good Feel Better program also offers Virtual Workshops, which you can log into from home.
Please share this information with anyone you know who is undergoing cancer treatment or Register for a workshop now.
You can find Look Good, Feel Better on socials as @LGFBAustralia.
