COPING with a cancer diagnosis, the gruelling treatments and their effects can be a daunting experience for any woman – but handy make-up tips are helping them in a practical way.

Southend Hospital and a leading international charity, Look Good…Feel Better, have teamed up to offer support through special workshops.

Working with beauty professionals, who volunteer their time and expertise, the charity holds free skincare and make-up sessions.

These help women combat the visible side-effects of cancer treatment, such as hair loss, and boost their confidence and self-esteem at a time when keeping a positive attitude is crucial.

The hospital’s bid to host the workshops was successful after it was backed by consultant oncologist Dr Anne Robinson, breast care nurses, surgeons and radiologists.

Dr Robinson said: “I heard about the programme two years ago through one of my patients and thought it sounded wonderful. Our application to the charity had overwhelming support from several local beauty therapists, all of whom were very keen to offer their services for such a fantastic cause.

“I’m so proud we are able to host this after going through a tough selection process.

“We all recognise how important this is for patients. Chemotherapy can have demoralising effects like hair loss, including eyebrows and eyelashes. It’s lovely that we can offer something to pamper patients and make them feel special.

“Mental wellbeing and positivity have a huge impact on a person’s attitude and how they deal with an illness.”

The two-hour workshops began this week and are proving extremely popular.

One of those to benefit is 33-year-old Jenny Mankelow, diagnosed with breast cancer last November.

She has had three rounds of chemotherapy and has another three to go to shrink the tumour before she faces surgery.

Jenny, of Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, said: “I learnt interesting tips, from how to cleanse, tone and moisturise and look after my skin, as well as how to mask areas of hair loss with make-up. It was really beneficial.

“The therapists were very positive and encouraging. It means I will feel more comfortable. I still work on good weeks, so it’s important I feel confident. You can feel paranoid, like people are staring at you because of your wig. But the tips will all really help me.”

The workshops, held monthly at the hospital’s Education Centre, are open to women of all ages who have been receiving treatment for any type of cancer for up to a year.

Each session is led by the charity’s regional co-ordinator Sarah Wakeman, a qualified independent beauty therapist, who became involved two years ago after supporting many clients and close friends through treatment.

She said: “Dealing with cancer can be a frightening experience. Some treatments may result in appearance-related side-effects that can be hard to cope with.

“The workshops are fun, friendly and relaxed, and give women the freedom and confidence to make themselves feel feminine again.”

To book a workshop place, call the hospital’s appointment line on 01702 385636. For more information visit www.lookgood feelbetter.co.uk