LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER: THE SMALL CHARITY TACKLING CANCER WITH CONFIDENCE

Facing cancer no longer has to mean losing your spark

CANCER statistics are frightening. Most of us know someone among our friends and family who has been affected by cancer – whether directly or indirectly. What many people don’t realise is that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. According to to the World Cancer Research Fund, 387,820 cases of cancer were diagnosed in the UK in 2019 (the latest year for which data is available).

Thankfully, there are a number of charities in the UK providing muchneeded support to those affected by cancer, as well as to their families and friends, who may also struggle to cope during this extremely difficult time.

One of these is Look Good development, the charity has also launched regular workshops at Rudding Park Spa in Harrogate - a luxury hotel which allows patients to relax in a calming environment, while learning new practices, as well as exchanging experiences and connecting with others going through similar situations.

Feel Better, a charity which offers support to women, men, and teens to combat the physical and psychological side-effects of their cancer treatment.

With an in-depth understanding of just how challenging it can be to process a cancer diagnosis and manage the physical and emotional side-effects, the charity runs workshops by trained volunteers in hospitals and cancer care centres across the country.

What to expect at a workshop:

Look Good Feel Better have a whole range of options when it comes to workshops, and you can expect advice about changes to your skin during treatment, eyebrows, eyelashes, as well as hair and nails, and how to improve body confidence. More workshops have recently been added to cover meditation, breath work, and gentle exercise to help reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety too.

There’s no limit on the number of workshops you can sign up to, and many people regularly attend for the community they create.

A survey undertaken by the charity in 2022 reveals that out of those who attended one of the 1,429 workshops held throughout 2022, 98% enjoyed the social setting and meeting other people facing cancer, and 88% felt the support they received had a positive impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Looking to the future

This year, the charity is keen to raise awareness of its workshops aimed specifically at men. Additional information on grooming and shaving is provided to men within a safe environment, allowing them to talk openly and connect with others facing similar, difficult challenges.

When Roy, from Essex, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he noticed that there wasn’t much support for people like him, and that you really had to dig to find places offering help.

He attended a Look Good Feel Better workshop and was delighted with the advice and guidance he was offered. A busy session included information on safe shaving, sun care and advice on scarring, tailored to his needs. Roy also found the environment a safe and relaxing place to socialise and talk to other men facing similar issues.

“The workshop came at just the right time for me. I was just about to start radiotherapy and it was good to focus on something other than the cancer”, he says, of being one of the first men to use the workshops.

Since the pandemic, the charity has offered its workshops online, allowing people to take part from the comfort of their own home. In fact, they’ve proven so successful that they’re still on the go today. Registration to all workshops is simple, and no GP or NHS referral is required. Know someone who could benefit? Head to https:// lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/workshops/

For more information, or if you have any questions, please phone 01372 747 500 or email info@lgfb.co.uk

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