Helping sick to look good

Narrogin resident Jenny Forrest has been volunteering her time in support of cancer patients through the Look Good Feel Better program since 2012.

In recognition of her incredible contribution to the community, Ms Forrest was recently named Look Good Feel Better’s WA volunteer of the year.

“I started volunteering with Look Good Feel Better in 2012 when I was working in the local pharmacy,” she said.

“I love everything to do with skincare, make-up and head-wear and I was excited to be able to share that knowledge with others.

“I love the program and the good that it offers to cancer patients amongst all the tests, scans, X-rays, treatments and surgery they have to endure.

“The smiles the participants give me in return for what I can share with them while they are having a very stressful time in their lives is what I enjoy the most.” Look Good Feel Better, a free national community service program run by the Cancer Patients Foundation, helps to improve the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatment for cancer.

Since its Australian launch in 1990, it has been providing free workshops designed to help women, men and teens cope better with the appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment.

The workshops cover skin care techniques to alleviate symptoms including dryness and sun sensitivity, make-up tips to help patients conceal redness and draw on eyebrows, and advice on head-wear including scarf styling and wig selection.

“As each workshop progresses, I see the participants begin to relax — and then they begin to enjoy the relaxing time,” Ms Forrest said.

“They start to open up and trust us, allowing us to help them and teach them new things that make them feel beautiful.”