Look Good Feel Better Australia are launching their latest initiative, titled Style for Cancer, on August 1, which dually help raise vital funds for the Look Good Feel Better program while giving service providers the opportunity to build their knowledge and position in supporting clients undergoing cancer treatments. Look Good Feel Better is a national cancer support program that has helped over 190,000 women, men and teens undergoing cancer treatment since its inception in 1990, with initiatives such as workshops, Confidence Kits and practical tips and tools, and this program is their latest impactful endeavour.

Hairdressers, titled Style Makers in the program, will be given materials to educate them on the side effects of cancer treatments, information on the language to use and avoid to sensitively approach these interactions with affected clients, promotional materials and a listing in an online directory. This directory will be available to all relevant clients, titled Style Seekers in the program, so they can choose salons that are adequately educated and prepared to handle these topics. They will also know they’re choosing a business that’s philanthropically inclined and consciously supporting the important work of the Look Good Feel Better program.

“Having 34 years of incredible knowledge behind us, when looking at the Australian beauty, grooming and style industries, we saw an opportunity to make salon appointments less daunting and more comfortable for those undergoing life altering treatments,” said General Manager of Look Good Feel Better, Carol Kavurma. “Everybody deserves to feel excited and uplifted after a trip to the hairdresser, nail salon or when sitting in the makeup chair – it’s the whole premise of the Look Good Feel Better program – and those undergoing cancer treatment are no different.”

“To help service providers – or Style Makers – feel the same excitement and confidence when working with their clients makes the Style for Cancer initiative even more important, and one we hope will be welcomed with open arms within the industry and the broader community.”

Style Makers can register for an $89 tax-deductible donation and are encouraged to participate in additional fundraising activities throughout the month of August. All funds raised through the initiative, will support the Look Good Feel Better program. Each $100 raised will allow one participant to benefit from the program for free, making a marked difference in their journey.

“During treatment, particularly chemo, I didn’t have the confidence to book in any services,” shared Style Seeker, Jodie Strong. “After my active treatments were complete, while most service providers were sensitive and careful in the way they approached me and their language with me, I was usually the one to share what worked and didn’t work for me in my recovery rather than the salon or styling professional. I think that’s from a lack of awareness in the industry around this area, so as I was never quite sure what the right thing to do or not to do was.”

“An important part of recovery from cancer is your feelings of self-worth and being able to take care of your body both mentally and physically. There are a lot of resources in the area of mental recovery, however not as much is available on the physical side of things,” she added. “Style For Cancer is an important initiative to bring awareness and some education to the physical side of recovery and help patients both during and post-treatment access services to help them feel more comfortable in their recovery.”

The initiative will also be a worthwhile endeavour for salons, allowing them to elevate their conversational skills and teaching them how to create a safe environment when addressing these issues.

“I think language and the wholistic therapy side of the conversation could definitely improve. Not everyone has the resources to be able to hold space for another human in a very vulnerable stage of their life,” shared Michael Kelly, Founder and Creative Director at Salon HER. “Style For Cancer is an obvious cause for me to be part of as I have lost family members I love to cancer, I’ve had family members recover from cancer, and I’ve supported clients who I care for deeply through some of their darkest days. It’s an initiative close to my heart.”

Style For Cancer fundraising activities will take place in participating businesses throughout Australia during the month of August and the Style Maker directory and registration process will be available at all times.

Sign up now and ensure you’re making a difference.

For more information visit www.styleforcancer.org.au

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