New charity partnership brings ground-breaking cancer support to Hartlepool

For over 30 years, Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) – a partner of Macmillan – has delivered specialist workshops that help people manage the physical and emotional side-effects of cancer treatment.

Until recently, local residents have had to travel to either James Cook or North Tees Hospitals in Middlesbrough and Stockton to access these services.

Alice House hosted Hartlepool’s first-ever Look Good Feel Better session - with support from Macmillan staff - on in June and welcomed a group of women from the community to the hospice for a session focussed on building confidence and feeling good, both inside and out.

Attendees at the fully-booked, inaugural session were given gift bags filled with cosmetic and beauty products which they then discussed and tried on together in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Lead volunteer for LGFB Dianne Playfor delivered the session.

She said: "It was a joy to bring this session to Hartlepool at last.

"People have waited a long time to access this support locally. It was incredibly rewarding to see the difference it made to people on the day.

“Thanks to Alice House for hosting and to Macmillan’s Alison Parsons, who supported with bookings and supplies and Macmillan volunteer Janice Hamilton, who looked after guests with refreshments.”

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as: “It’s the first time in 30 years that something like this has come to Hartlepool – long may it continue.”

Another said: “It was well thought out and an absolute joy. We’ve all benefited from it.”

The three charities in this partnership are pleased to confirm that more sessions are planned for September, which is fully booked, October and November.

The sessions offer practical support and a warm, inclusive space to connect with others going through similar experiences.

To book a place on one of the upcoming October and November sessions, contact Macmillan on (01642) 838041.

For more information on either charity, go to www.alicehousehospice.co.uk or www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk