A CHARITY is calling on beauticians in the Bridport area to help improve the lives of cancer patients by making them look – and thus feel – better.

The self-help group for cancer sufferers The Living Tree was set up a year ago and members meet regularly at the Friends Meeting House in South Street.

At the end of January the group is inviting women with cancer from West Dorset and the surrounding area, to a free two-hour masterclass in make-up and beauty skills.

The class will be led by trained, volunteer beauty professionals who will take participants through a specially designed 10-step skincare and make-up regime. The aim is to help the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatment for any sort of cancer, improving their self-image and appearance while meeting other people in a similar situation, at a time when they maybe feeling vulnerable and low.

Places are limited and need booking for the sessions at the Quaker Meeting House at 2pm on Friday, January 31.

Although the event is being supported by the national cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better there is also a need for local beauticians to help.

As one of the founders of The Living Tree with firsthand experience of the impact of the illness, Jo Millar has welcomed this chance for the national charity Look Good Feel Better to offer a local workshop.

She said: “Having cancer changes everything. During my treatment my hair fell out, my eyes seemed smaller and I was keen to learn how to overcome these changes to help me face the world.” She said the psychological and therapeutic benefits of wearing make-up are well documented.

“I was introduced to Look Good Feel Better in Exeter and attended a session designed to teach women new make-up skills. “It was a huge boost to my self-esteem and helped me get back that sense of wanting to make an effort. “There are many visible signs of cancer treatment, like losing your eyelashes, and I picked up lots of hints and tips on how to define my eyebrows and which colours suited me.

Above all, the class was relaxed and great fun – a much needed bit of me-time away from hospital.”

To make a reservation please ring Linda Loveridge on 01308 897428. Requirements for volunteers to help are a minimum of one year’s experience in cosmetics or beauty therapy, and proficiency in the art of make-up application and skin care.

Beauticians please call Look Good Feeling Better to hear about training and how to become a volunteer.

For more information, contact 01372 747500 or look on the website at lgfb.co.uk