Workshop volunteer and Dry July participant, Leah, knows how beneficial Look Good Feel Better workshops are for people living with cancer.

"I have witnessed first-hand women walking into the workshop looking so disheartened and insecure, and leaving with smiles on their faces, wanting to go home and show their loved ones what they learnt and how they feel, and knowing it's ok to smile again."

We are so proud to continue funding this program so that people can face cancer with confidence. 🌟

Find a Look Good Feel Better workshop near you, or join virtually! 👉 https://lgfb.org.au/workshop/

Thanks to your Dry July fundraising efforts and dedication to the cause, thousands of cancer patients across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from our workshops and Home-Delivered Confidence Kits over the next 12 months.

For 30 years, Look Good Feel Better has been helping Australians face cancer with confidence through more than just makeup. As past participant Karen said;

"My deep and sincere gratitude goes to the amazing team who provided our workshop. Volunteers and patients alike all got along and we shared many laughs.

I have to say it was great being in a place where we all undergo treatment of some sort but none of us felt like patients. There was no pity party, only lovely proactive conversation.

My heart went out to several participants who admitted this was the first time they had been able to talk about cancer as they aren’t having discussions with friends and family. What a lovely experience and safe place you have provided!

The volunteers are a fabulous team who are to be commended on their desire for fellow women to feel good about themselves! Thank you.”

Jodie's Story

"I found a lump in my breast in August last year, but to be honest I didn’t take it too seriously. I’m a young mum of two daughters, aged 14 and 10, and I didn’t think people like me, with no family history, got cancer.

When my GP referred me very quickly for a biopsy and further testing I became more concerned, and within four days of my initial check-up I received a breast cancer diagnosis. It completely took the wind out of me. I was shocked, scared and confused. And of course, the biggest question was why me?

As the plans were laid out for my treatment, my breast care nurse told me about the Look Good Feel Better workshops, and I was thrilled at the idea of joining with other women in the same position as me. I knew what was ahead with my chemotherapy and decided to attend early in my treatment to be armed with the tools needed to help me through such a challenging time.

The Look Good Feel Better program is such a valuable tool for women going through cancer treatment. Spending time with the other participants in a safe environment gave me great comfort, as we shared a laugh and some tears together. No one else can understand what you are going through quite like a fellow patient. And the volunteers made me feel so special and valued at a time when I was feeling quite sad and vulnerable. This journey is not an easy road, and the Look Good Feel Better workshops are designed completely with the wellbeing of participants in mind. "

By taking part in Dry July, you are ensuring that the Look Good Feel Better program can continue to support and empower cancer patients at a time when a boost in spirits and confidence is much-needed.

Thanks to funds raised from Dry July 2019 campaign, Look Good Feel Better will receive funding for 420 confidence-building workshops.

These workshops cover skincare techniques to address common side-effects like dryness and sun sensitivity; makeup tips to help correct and conceal redness, sallowness, pigmentation and dark circles as well as techniques for drawing on eyebrows; and advice on headwear including scarf styling and wig selection.

Each participant receives a complimentary Confidence Kit full of skincare and make-up products donated by the cosmetic industry, and an instruction booklet to use as tools for application throughout the workshop and for continued use in their own homes.

Participants also benefit from the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. During the workshops, friendships and additional support networks are formed that can be invaluable during diagnosis and treatment.

Look Good Feel Better workshops are open anyone undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer. In Australia, more than 130,000 people have participated in the program, with approximately 1,000 workshops now running annually in 180 venues nationwide.

The program is managed by a small team of team of staff and relies on the support of 1,300 trained cosmetic, beauty and hairdressing professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help deliver the workshops across Australia.

With no government funding, the Cancer Patients Foundation relies heavily on the generosity of corporate and community supporters to allow for the Look Good Feel Better service to be provided to cancer patients free-of-charge.

Following the success of the 2018 Dry July campaign, Dry July Foundation funded 450 Look Good Feel Better workshops helping men and women going through cancer treatment feel more like their normal selves. Here's what some of the participants had to say:

“The Look Good Feel Better workshop felt like a huge reward at the end of my treatment. It encouraged me to move forward with renewed confidence. I also felt humbled to see other women, travelling a far harder and longer road, blossom and laugh in the nurturing environment of Look Good Feel Better.” Susan, past participant

“This experience was way above my expectations. It was fantastic to be amongst other ladies who were going through similar experiences to myself and to have the genuine focus from the volunteers on our specific needs with regards to skin care and make up.” Elizabeth, past participant

“Thank you all for such a supportive and heartening experience. I was really on the ropes with the hair loss and having a bad day feeling unwell, but I was nevertheless able to get some useful makeup tips. You offer a fantastic and very generous service, delivered in a kind and respectful way, not asking too much of the participants, but providing timely and vital information.” Evi, past participant VIC

“I had a fantastic morning at the workshop! At the start of the workshop some of the ladies looked a bit nervous but by the end, every one of us was laughing and had enormous smiles on our faces.The headwear demonstrator was so helpful. 10/10 day - I've already recommended it to three lovely ladies. Thank you.” Janette, past participant NSW

“Excellent workshop! Its great to be among other women going through similar experiences. I'm much happier about losing my hair which will be any day soon where I was anxious about it before. I realise looking after your appearances helps not just yourself but people around you. Thank you very much!” Judith, past participant QLD