Look Good Feel Better, a national cancer-support program, has been delivering free workshops in Gosford to help locals living through cancer treatment manage the most common physical and psychological impacts.
The mental health and self esteem-related challenges patients face when undergoing treatment are often overlooked, and are not given significant consideration, a spokesperson said.
Operated in the Hope Unlimited Church and run completely by a team of volunteers, the Gosford Look Good Feel Better workshops feature a skincare and make-up routine, managing the side-effects of treatment on the skin, as well as techniques for drawing on eyebrows and eyelashes, and advice on headwear options, including scarf styling and wig selection.
Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.
Friendships and support networks are formed during the workshops, providing comfort while navigating the diagnosis and treatment experience.
Look Good Feel Better General Manager Carol Kavurma said the workshops made a tangible difference to people going through cancer treatment, as well as their families.
“Participants have continuously expressed how going through treatment can make you feel like a completely different person and meeting others going through similar challenges can be life changing,” she said.
Look Good Feel Better workshops have been available nationally since 1990, with more than 98 per cent of participants indicating they would recommend their workshops to others.
The workshops are held on an ongoing basis and for more information go to lgfb.org.au or call 1800 650 960.