On Monday, 9 April 2018, the Look Good Feel Better cancer support workshop at the Northern Hospital Epping celebrated a decade of providing valued support to the local community.
Look Good Feel Better is a free national community service program run by the Cancer Patients Foundation, helping to improve the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatment for cancer.
Over the 10 years the workshops have been running at the Northern Hospital, 25 trained and qualified local volunteers have given their time to the program, providing invaluable information and support to over 350 patients with cancer.
The workshops cover skin care techniques to alleviate symptoms including dryness and sun-sensitivity, makeup tips to help patients deal with concealing redness and drawing on eyebrows, and advice on headwear including scarf styling and wig selection. This embraces the notion that life feels better in colour. Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.
Dr Frances Barnett, Head of Oncology, Northern Health, shares insight into the program and extended her gratitude to all involved.
“The Look Good Feel Better workshops support Northern Health’s holistic cancer service, which seeks to provide outstanding health care that extends beyond the clinical setting. This makes a real difference to wellbeing as people adjust to life with cancer and the side-effects of treatment.”
“A big thank you to the Cancer Patients Foundation and all involved in the program, and congratulations to the Look Good Feel Better program for achieving this commendable milestone at the Northern Hospital,” said Dr Barnett.
Faye Venning, Victorian Program Manager, Look Good Feel Better, praised the partnerships that make these workshops possible.
“Our workshops truly have a transformative effect on those undergoing cancer treatment, and without the collaboration and support of the Northern Hospital Epping, we could not have helped as many patients as we have over the last decade.”
“It’s a partnership we are truly grateful for and we look forward to another 10 years together, supporting those in the local community,” said Ms Venning.
