Hospitals helping cancer patients look good and feel better

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is working with a national charity, Look Good Feel Better, offering practical support in dealing with some of the changes in physical appearance, such as hair loss, that can occur as a result of some cancer treatments.

A series of free, two hour masterclasses, teaching vital skincare and make up techniques to help improve confidence and appearance are being held in Darlington and Durham over the next few weeks. 

Led by volunteer beauty professionals, the sessions are open to anyone undergoing cancer treatment and aim to bring together small groups of women in a relaxed and uplifting environment.

Commenting, Macmillan cancer support project coordinator, at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Jo Dickinson, said, "The Trust recognises the potentially devastating impact a diagnosis of cancer can have on people and many of our patients find the side effects of some treatments particularly difficult to cope with - especially the visible ones, such as hair loss, which can be very emotional.

"Working with Look Good Feel Better has provided a great opportunity for us to do something really positive for our patients at a particularly difficult time in their lives, helping them to rebuild their confidence and feel a little better about themselves.  The masterclasses are always a great success."

Tina Murray, from Neasham, near Darlington, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and who attended a recent session, said, "I was unsure whether I would enjoy it, but am rapidly realising anything that makes you feel positive and good about yourself during the worst period of your life can only be a good thing for mind, body and soul.  I really enjoyed it and it was nice to have a pamper and a bit of fun for a change - I was delighted with the results.   Perhaps the biggest benefit though was meeting women my own age and sharing our experiences which I found very supportive."

Jo adds, "We recognise that clinical care is only part of what patients need from us and our website details information about support available to people with cancer:

/our-services/division-of-clinical-support-services/cancer-information-and-support.aspx .

"Our next masterclasses are on Monday 6 November 2017, 1.00-3.00pm, in Memorial Hall Boardroom, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington DL3 6HX, and on Monday 4 December 2017, 1.00-3.00pm at Bannatyne's Health Club & Spa, Eden Terrace, Durham, DH1 2HJ."

To book a free place or find out more, ring: 01325 743008 or 0191 333 2815.