Cancer patients looking good, feeling better

Community members interested in volunteering for the Look Good Feel Better program are invited to an information session in July at East Grampians Health Service.

Look Good Feel Better is dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side effects caused by cancer treatment.

Cancer patients participate in a practical workshop which covers skincare, make-up and headwear demonstrations, leaving them empowered and ready to face their cancer diagnosis with confidence.

The workshops include sessions on skincare techniques to alleviate symptoms including dryness and sallowness; make-up tips to help patients deal with concealing redness and drawing on eyebrows; and advice on headwear including scarf styling and wig selection.

Look Good Feel Better program manager for Victoria and Tasmania Faye Venning said about five people regularly volunteer for the twice-yearly sessions in Ararat.

“Volunteers come and go a bit so it would be good to see if we could get a few more volunteers for Ararat,” Ms Venning said.

“Anyone who is currently working in, or has been, in the cosmetic, hair or beauty industry are the volunteers we are really looking for.”

Look Good Feel Better sessions are only held twice per year in Ararat, so the commitment is not onerous, according to Ms Venning.

Each participant in the program receives a Confidence Kit, full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetic industry to use as tools for application throughout the workshop and to continue in their own homes.

Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

Look Good Feel Better workshops are open to anyone undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. In Australia, more than 130,000 people have participated in the program, which now offers approximately 1,000 workshops in 180 venues nationwide.

Ms Venning, who will be running the information session in Ararat, said anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about the program may attend the session on Wednesday July 19 at 10am in Pyrenees House, Girdlestone Street, Ararat.

For further information and to book please contact Sarah Carter on 5352 9343.

Ms Venning will also be running information sessions for staff on the program. Any staff who would like to participate, please contact Sarah Carter on the above number.