Look Good Feel Better – helps cancer patients regain their confidence
The Look Good Feel Better Program by Cancer Patients Foundation is on a mission to help local residents face cancer with confidence, supporting more than 200 people at the Mater Cancer Care Centre – Springfield since 2017.
Recently awarded a Lendlease Community Grant, Look Good Feel Better will be able to empower a further 33 local cancer patients, who will work to reclaim their self-confidence and control as well as shift their focus from illness to wellness.
From the very first workshop in Sydney in May 1990, more than 170,000 women, men and teens undergoing cancer treatment across Australia have benefitted from participating in the program.
The free, national community service program offers cancer patients of all ages, genders, and cancer types the opportunity to learn practical strategies to manage the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer treatment.
With no government funding, Look Good Feel Better relies on the generosity of corporate and community supporters to ensure the program can continue to be provided to cancer patients free-of-charge.
Fundraising Manager for the Cancer Patients Foundation and Look Good Feel Better, Nicole Jervis, said the program provides face-to-face and virtual workshops for women, men and teens to help manage the appearance related side-effects of treatment covering skincare techniques, makeup tips and advice on headwear. In addition, the program offers a range of virtual wellness workshops covering topics such as healthy eating, meditation, exercise, and yoga.
“The Mater Cancer Care Centre – Springfield has been hosting Look Good Feel Better workshops since 2017. On average we hold 5 workshops each year in the Centre. Since 2017 over 200 Springfield locals have been supported by the Look Good Feel Better program,” she said.
“Through Lendlease’s kindness, a further 33 people undergoing cancer treatment in the Springfield area will be supported through a combination of our Face-to-Face workshops held at the Mater Cancer Care Centre - Springfield, our Home Delivered Confidence Kits, virtual workshops and Feel Better Fridays.”
The overall positive impact of the program is felt not only by the participants, but their family, friends, colleagues and the broader community.
Research has shown that the program’s support helps:
- Manage stress, depression and anxiety
- Reclaim self-confidence and control
- Reduce treatment-related side effects
- Shift focus from illness to wellness
- Increase overall mental wellbeing
- Reduce physical and emotional isolation
- Improve circulation and sleep
- Reduce the risk of other cancers and chronic diseases
The Look Good Feel Better program aims to improve patients’ physical, emotional and mental health. To learn more about the Look Good Feel Better program, visit: lgfb.org.au