The Look Good Feel Better team of Rhonda Snelson, Felicity Lochhead and Lynn Beasley. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Look Good Feel Better, a national cancer-support program run by The Cancer Patients Foundation, offers free workshops and resources to help people manage the physical and psychological impacts of cancer treatment.
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The group held a workshop at Echuca Regional Health on September 1.
Cancer Patients Foundation and Look Good Feel Better general manager Carol Kavurma said the program had made a significant difference since its inception.
“We offer free in-person and online workshops, and confidence kits to help people with any type of cancer manage the most common physical and psychological impacts of treatment,” Ms Kavurma said.
Since launching in Australia in 1990, the program has supported over 200,000 women, men and young adults through their cancer diagnosis, with over 98 per cent of participants satisfied and willing to recommend it to others.
Rhonda Snelson demonstrates the makeup process on Lynn Beasley.
“Look Good Feel Better began in the United States in 1989,” Ms Kavurma said.
“A health professional working with a cancer patient who felt so depressed and self-conscious she wouldn't leave her hospital room approached the president of the Personal Care Products Council to organise a makeover for her.
“The physical and emotional change in the patient was so profound that it became clear there was a need for a service that could be offered to all cancer patients to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.”
The program arrived in Australia through Julie Carriol, who witnessed its impact firsthand.
“Julie petitioned hospitals and garnered the support of the cosmetics industry in Australia and the first workshop was held at Westmead Hospital in Sydney in May 1990,” Ms Kavurma said.
Run by volunteer experts, the Look Good Feel Better workshops are non-medical and brand-neutral, covering topics from skincare, cosmetics and headwear options, through to grooming, fitness, mobility and mental wellbeing.
Each workshop participant also receives a confidence kit full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetics industry.
The program gives cancer sufferers makeovers to assist with the physical and psychological impacts of the condition.
For those who missed the September 1 workshop, the next women’s workshop at ERH is scheduled for November 10.
Workshops are also available specifically for men, with one being held at ERH on September 29.
The men’s workshops focus on managing changes to the skin and scalp, such as dryness and sun sensitivity, and provide practical assistance for caring for brittle nails and dry cuticles, general grooming advice and guidance on headwear options.
The program relies on volunteers and is always seeking new volunteers.
“While formal beauty training is not necessary, a love of cosmetics, being comfortable speaking to a small group of people and a passion to help others is what makes our volunteers invaluable members of our team,” Ms Kavurma said.
“Further training opportunities are then available for volunteers wanting to learn more about how to best support our participants.”
For anyone who would like to face cancer with confidence or volunteer, information can be found atlgfb.org.au
