LGFB: FEEL BETTER FRIDAYS

Feel Better Fridays Take Flight

Since its inception in 1990, with the unwavering support of the cosmetic industry the Cancer Patients Foundation’s Look Good Feel Better program has helped to empower cancer patients by focussing on the appearance-related side effects of their treatment.

Through Face-to-Face Workshops, Virtual Workshops and Home-Delivered Confidence Kits, patients have been given the practical skills, knowledge and tools needed to “look good” in a way that helps them feel more confident in navigating their cancer diagnosis. To enhance the service offering and further improve the outlook for those diagnosed with cancer, wellbeing programs aimed at reducing the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer treatment have now been launched by the charity.

Known as Feel Better Fridays, the program will run on a weekly basis as another vital resource assisting cancer patients of all ages, genders, and cancer types to learn practical strategies to improve fitness, mobility, and mental wellbeing.

A Look Good Feel Better Face-to-Face Workshop.

Carol Kavurma, General Manager of the Cancer Patients Foundation and Look Good Feel Better, said “Over an 18-month period we consulted with a number of Health Professionals across Australia and identified a need for a centralised source of information and guidance addressing cancer patients’ physical activity and mental wellbeing during treatment. Essentially, an enhancement of our service to further deliver on the ‘Feel Better’ component of our program’s name.

“We initially explored the concept during Feel Better Month in September last year and, overwhelmingly, the feedback confirmed that information and guidance on overall wellness during cancer treatment was both in-demand and deemed of great benefit.”

The new service offering will include virtual workshops on exercise, nutrition, and healthy cooking with a focus on the specific needs of those undergoing cancer treatment. It will also cover a range of yoga and meditation options, Qigone; a practice similar to Tai Chi for calming the mind, relaxing the body and increasing energy levels, Pranayama; the practice of breath regulation, Emotional Freedom Tapping; an alternative method for relieving physical pain and emotional distress, and dressing for a changing body shape.

The virtual workshops will be delivered by a number of qualified specialists working in each field and the content has been curated with the purpose of improving participant’s capacity to manage the physical and emotional side-effects of cancer treatment, helping to lessen the impact of the disease overall.

Home Delivered Confidence Kits are delivered to women, men and teens undergoing treatment for cancer.

Carol noted that: “Exercise is known to reduce the side effects of both the cancer and its debilitating treatments, and can improve functional ability, quality of life and ultimately, survival. Coupled with research that has shown Look Good Feel Better’s support can help with managing stress, depression and anxiety, reclaiming body confidence and control, increasing overall mental wellbeing and shifting focus from illness to wellness, the progression of the program into the health and wellness space was a natural one.

“The overall positive impact of our program is felt not only by our participants, but their family, friends, colleagues and the broader community, so we’re proud of what this means for all who are burdened by the impacts of cancer and its treatments.”

As health care providers and patients improve their understanding around supportive care and the significant difference it can make to overall wellbeing, the demand for services like Look Good Feel Better has increased dramatically.

The Cancer Patients Foundation expects to support up to 10,000 women, men and teens through the Look Good Feel Better program this year, giving participants a sense of connection and belonging no matter their location or circumstance, and improving their physical function, confidence, and sense of wellbeing.

Carol Kavurma, General Manager of the Cancer Patients Foundation and Look Good Feel Better.

Despite the enhancements to the program and the increases to frequency, all services will remain free for patients with no restrictions on age, cancer or treatment type, or treatment stage. These are important principles of the program, ensuring accessibility to anyone who requires support.

“The cosmetic industry has been our backbone for 32 years now and we’re counting on the continuation of these vital relationships to deliver these much-needed services across the country,” Carol said.

“We all know someone who has dealt with a cancer diagnosis and we therefore all know the toll it can take on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. With our combined experience and expertise across the beauty and wellness space, we’re in a privileged position to help make a difficult time for others just that little bit easier.”

For more information on Look Good Feel Better, the services offered, and partnership opportunities visit lgfb. org.au, follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @LGFBAustralia or email info@lgfb.org.au.

To show your support and ensure the program can remain free-of-charge, give a gift at lgfb.org.au/donate.