“For many women, it is the first time in a long while that they have worn make-up or felt confident without their wig. You can see their mood lift right in front of you.”
Cancer treatment can take its toll, not just physically but emotionally, affecting how people feel about themselves.
Now, patients in the Macmillan Cancer Unit at the Ulster Hospital are regaining confidence, a sense of self and their sparkle again, thanks to free skin and beauty workshops being held across Northern Ireland to support those facing cancer.
Free skin and beauty workshops are being held across Northern Ireland to support those facing cancer.
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Leading cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better runs the workshops both virtually and across the UK in local communities, including eight locations in NI, to support women, men and young adults through this challenging time.
They offer expert and practical advice on skincare, make-up, hand and nail care, hair loss, scalp care, new hair growth, headwear, wigs, brows, lashes and body confidence.
The South Eastern Trust, in partnership with Look Good Feel Better, a national charity supporting the physical and emotional well-being of people living with cancer, provides free online and in-person sessions in the Unit.
Brookelynne Moffett and Janet Houston Potts from Look Good Feel Better with patients Marie Boal and Karen Ferris
Led by trained volunteers, each group session offers not only practical beauty tips but also a safe space to chat with others going through similar experiences. Every participant receives a bag filled with makeup and skincare products to take home as part of the experience designed to boost the confidence of people facing cancer.
Susan Thompson, who recently attended a session, described it as amazing and cheering, adding: “It really does lift you. Janet, Michelle and Brookelynne were terrific. They helped me with my eyebrows and eyelashes, things I have not seen in a while!
“These workshops are so important. They help build your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. The bag of goodies is terrific, but it is also about how much better you feel afterwards. I would highly recommend it.”
Michelle Kerr, Look Good Feel Better volunteer, with patient Susan Thompson
Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Co-Ordinator, Karen Kelly emphasised the unique impact of the sessions: “The workshops allow women affected by cancer to meet others who truly understand what they are going through.
“It is uplifting, it makes them feel like themselves again and reminds them they are not alone. The camaraderie and shared experiences are just as valuable as the beauty tips.”
For Look Good Feel Better Volunteer, Michelle Kerr, the work is deeply personal: “I have been volunteering with Look Good Feel Better for 10 years. My mum came to one of the workshops when she was diagnosed with cancer and left feeling amazing.
“For many women, it is the first time in a long while that they have worn make-up or felt confident without their wig. You can see their mood lift right in front of you.”
Look Good Feel Better volunteers Brookelynne Moffett, Michelle Kerr and Janet Houston Potts
Janet Houston Potts, who is also a volunteer, has been part of Look Good Feel Better for 25 years: “We certainly help people look better, but it is about how they feel afterwards. Many make friends, exchange phone numbers and leave with a smile. That is why I love being part of it.”
Patients can book a place at the workshops through the Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Service based in the Ulster Hospital Macmillan Unit
Look Good Feel Better currently holds skincare and makeup workshops in the following locations across Northern Ireland:
- Antrim – Monthly (last Tuesday of the month)
- Belfast – Fortnightly (Tuesday)
- Craigavon – Monthly (first Tuesday of the month)
- Enniskillen – Quarterly (Monday)
- Londonderry – Monthly (third Tuesday of the month)
- Newry – Monthly – (first Friday of the month)
- Omagh – Quarterly (Monday)
- Ulster – Bi-Monthly (Tuesday)
Workshops can be booked by visiting our website Book a Workshop – Look Good Feel Better : Look Good Feel Better or by calling 01372 747 500 and selecting option 2. For more information on Look Good Feel Better workshops, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk.
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