Rooted in Strength

Look Good Feel Better Workshops

If you're going through cancer treatment in the UK, there's a charity you should know about. Look Good Feel Better runs free workshops that help people manage the visible side effects of treatment, and they've been doing it here since 1994. Ask anyone who's been to one and you'll get the same two responses. First, that they nearly didn't go. Second, that it was one of the best afternoons of their whole treatment. What they actually do Look Good Feel Better runs group workshops led by trained beauty and wellbeing professionals who volunteer their time. The sessions cover the practical things that fall through the cracks in cancer care; How to look after skin that's changed, what to do about eyebrows that have vanished, and how to feel like yourself again. What's more, they're completely free. The charity works hard to keep it that way, funded by the beauty industry and by donations. The sessions on offer There's a decent range of sessions available, so it's worth looking at what suits you: •      Skincare and make-up, the flagship workshop, covering how to care for changed skin and create a natural look •      Wigs, brows and lashes, which is the one to book if you're dealing with hair loss •      Hair loss and scalp care •      Hand and nail care, since nails take a real battering during treatment •      Styling for confidence, led by style experts, covering colour, shape and dressing a body that's changed •      Gentle exercise and mindfulness •      Men's wellbeing sessions, hosted by barbering experts, covering shaving, sore skin and scarring •      Young adult sessions, aimed at a younger crowd who often feel out of place elsewhere The goody bag Let's talk about the bag, because it's genuinely lovely and it's the thing everyone remembers. Go to an in-person workshop and you'll be given a bag of full-size skincare and make-up products to use during the session and take home. Not samples. Proper products, donated by the beauty brands that support the charity. The bags are pre-packed, so you can't choose what's in yours, and supply depends on what's been donated. If you have allergies or you're particular about what goes on your skin, you can bring your own products to use in the session, nobody will mind. The bag isn't really the point, mind. It's just a very nice extra on top of an afternoon where someone treats you like a person rather than a patient. What actually happens on the day The workshops run for up to two hours. In-person groups are small, usually eight to fifteen people. Online groups are bigger, and the hair sessions and exercise classes can run to eighty or so. You do your own make-up. The volunteers are there to guide you, show you techniques and step in if you're struggling, but nobody is going to give you a full makeover while you sit there. That's deliberate. You're learning skills you can use at home on a Tuesday morning when nobody's watching. Most people arrive nervous and almost nobody stays that way. The thing everyone says afterwards is that it was the first time in weeks they'd been in a room where nobody talked about cancer. You're allowed to leave it at the door. Who can go Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. Women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone regardless of gender identity. The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling workshops are a one-off, one per person per diagnosis. That does mean you can't book a refresher a few months later, though the charity has a library of free tutorials on their website you can use any time. If your cancer returns, get in touch with them directly rather than assuming you can't come back. In person or online Both. In-person workshops run in hospitals, cancer care centres and partner venues across the UK. Virtual workshops run over Zoom, so you can join from your sofa on a day you don't fancy leaving the house. The trade-off is the goody bag, which comes with the in-person sessions. If you're well enough to travel, the in-person version is worth the effort for the room full of people as much as the products. A few practical things to know •      Book in advance through the Look Good Feel Better website, and you can also ring them on 01372 747 500 •      Turn up on time, as sessions start promptly and there's only a short grace period before the door closes •      Everything is provided, though you can bring your own foundation and concealer if you have shades you love, plus your own brushes if they're clean •      Bring a pen and paper if you like taking notes, and you'll be given a leaflet covering what was taught •      You can't bring a friend or family member, since the space is kept for people with a diagnosis, so ring ahead if you need a chaperone for a specific reason like translation •      Tell them about any accessibility needs when you book and they'll do their best What they can't help with They're upfront about this, and it's worth knowing. Look Good Feel Better aren't medically trained, so they can't tell you which products are safe for your particular treatment. That's a question for your oncologist or cancer nurse specialist, who can look at your history and advise on anything you should avoid. They also can't recommend wig shops, hairdressers or microblading artists. For hair specifically, they point people towards Cancer Hair Care, who offer one-to-one support. Where we fit in We're not connected to the charity in any way. We just think more people should know they exist, because the number of customers who tell us they'd never heard of Look Good Feel Better until someone mentioned it in passing is frankly too high. If you go to a brows and lashes session and come away wanting to practise what you learned, we stock false eyelashes and eyebrow pencils chosen for people going through treatment.  Go, if you can The most common thing we hear is some version of "I almost didn't bother". People talk themselves out of it because they feel too rough, or too self-conscious, or because putting on make-up feels frivolous when you're seriously ill. It isn't frivolous. Recognising yourself in the mirror does something for you that no amount of good advice can. And a couple of hours in a room full of people who understand exactly where you are turns out to be worth a great deal. Look Good Feel Better is a registered charity, number 1031728. Find workshops and book at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk.   Frequently asked questions Is Look Good Feel Better free? Yes. All workshops and classes are free for anyone with a cancer diagnosis, funded by the beauty industry and donations. Who can attend a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Anyone with a cancer diagnosis. There are dedicated sessions for women, men and young adults, and the workshops are open to everyone. What's in the Look Good Feel Better goody bag? A selection of full-size skincare and make-up products donated by the charity's partner brands. Bags are pre-packed and given out at in-person workshops, so the contents vary depending on what's been donated. How do I book a Look Good Feel Better workshop? Book through their website at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk, or ring 01372 747 500. Your cancer nurse or treatment centre may also be able to point you to a local session. Can I go to more than one workshop? The skincare and make-up, hand and nail care and styling for confidence workshops are a one-off per person per diagnosis. Free tutorials on their website are available any time.

What to Take to Your First Chemo Appointment: Checklist

Nobody tells you how long chemotherapy actually takes. You picture something quick and clinical, and then you find out you'll be sitting in a chair for four hours with a drip in your arm and nothing but a two-year-old magazine. Packing a bag is one of the few parts of this you get to control. It's worth doing properly, because a good bag turns a long, cold, boring day into something much more bearable. Here's what people who've done it tell us they were glad they brought. How long will you be there? Ask your unit before the day, because it varies enormously. Some treatments take an hour. Others take six or seven, once you add in blood tests, waiting for pharmacy and the drip itself. Assume it'll be longer than you were told. Pack for that and you'll never be caught out. Keeping warm This is the one thing everyone mentions. Chemo units are cold, the drugs go in cold, and sitting still for hours makes it worse. A light blanket or a big soft scarf, and there are plenty of people who take one from home purely because it smells right Warm socks, ideally a pair you can pull on over tights or with slippers Layers you can add and take off, because you may swing between freezing and boiling in the same hour A soft hat, which matters more than you'd think Your scalp loses a surprising amount of heat, and if your hair has started to go, a cold room feels very different. A bamboo or cotton chemo hat is breathable enough that you won't overheat and soft enough to sit against a tender scalp for hours. If you'd rather have a scarf, a pre-tied head scarf pulls straight on with no mirror and no fiddling in a hospital toilet. What to wear Think about where the line goes in. If you're having treatment through your arm, wear short sleeves or something with sleeves that push up easily. If you have a PICC line, a port or a Hickman line, you want a wide neckline or a button-front top so the nurses can reach it without you having to undress. Beyond that, comfort wins. Soft waistbands, nothing tight, nothing scratchy, and layers. Food and drink Most units offer tea, coffee and biscuits, but the choice is limited and the timings won't suit you. Bring your own water bottle, because staying hydrated genuinely helps and you'll drink more if it's sitting there. Pack a few snacks you actually like, plus something plain like crackers in case your stomach turns. Sugar-free boiled sweets or mints are worth a mention. Some drugs leave a metallic taste in your mouth, and something to suck on helps. Passing the time Four hours is a long time. Plan for it. A tablet or phone loaded up before you go, since hospital wifi is unreliable and you don't want to be fighting it Headphones, ideally with a long cable or good battery life A phone charger and a power bank, and this is the item people forget and regret most A book, a magazine or a puzzle book for when your eyes are tired of screens Something to do with your hands, like knitting or a crossword Audiobooks and podcasts suit people who feel too woolly to concentrate on reading. Comfort watching works too. This isn't the day for anything that demands your full brain. Comfort for skin and mouth Hospital air is dry, and some treatments make things drier still. Lip balm, which is the small item people are most grateful for Hand cream, fragrance-free if you can Tissues A little bottle of water spray or a fan if you get hot flushes The practical bits Your appointment letter and hospital number A list of any medicines you take, including anything you buy over the counter Your chemo helpline number, saved in your phone and written on paper A notebook and pen, because you'll be told a lot and you might not remember it Any anti-sickness tablets you've already been given Parking money or a card, and check whether your hospital offers free or reduced parking for cancer patients, as many do The notebook is worth taking seriously. Write your questions down before you go, and write the answers down while you're there. Nobody takes information in properly on day one. Can someone come with you? Usually yes, though space varies and some units limit numbers, so ring and check. If you can bring someone, bring them. Having a second pair of ears is genuinely useful, and the journey home is easier with company. You may also not be allowed to drive yourself home, depending on your treatment.  What to leave at home Anything valuable Strong perfume, on you or on anyone coming with you, because smells can be a real trigger Big meals with a strong smell, out of courtesy to everyone else in the room A packed schedule for the rest of the day Keep the day itself clear. Even if you feel fine afterwards, and plenty of people do, you don't want to be rushing anywhere. The bag you'll want by the end Once you've done one session you'll know exactly what you need, and most people end up with a permanent chemo bag that lives by the door. It gets refined every cycle. The blanket stays, the ambitious novel gets swapped for a puzzle book, and the snacks change completely. If someone you love is starting treatment and you want to help, putting this bag together for them is one of the kindest things you can do. There are gift ideas here if you're not sure where to begin. One last thought The first appointment is almost always the worst one, and not because of the treatment. It's the fear of the unknown that makes it hard. By the second session you'll know where to park, which chair you like, which nurse makes the good tea, and how long you've really got. Frequently asked questions How long does a first chemotherapy session take? It depends on your treatment. Some take an hour, others take six or more once blood tests and pharmacy waits are included. Your unit can give you a realistic estimate, and it's worth packing for longer. What should I wear to chemotherapy? Loose, comfortable layers. If you have a port or a line in your chest, choose a wide neckline or a button-front top. If treatment goes into your arm, wear sleeves that push up easily. Can I eat during chemo? In most units, yes. Bring your own snacks and a water bottle, because the choice on offer is usually limited and you'll want things you actually fancy. Should I wear a hat to chemotherapy? Many people do. Chemo units run cold, and a soft hat keeps your head warm without irritating a sensitive scalp. It's a personal choice rather than a rule.

Managing Nausea During Chemo. The Small Things That Help

Nausea is one of the side effects people worry about most before chemotherapy starts. The good news is that anti-sickness medicine has come a long way, and your team will give you something to take alongside your treatment. Most people find their sickness is manageable rather than constant. Everything below is the practical stuff and the bits nobody tells you on a leaflet. It comes from years of talking to customers who've been through treatment and told us what actually got them through the difficult days. Start with your chemo team, always Your oncology team or chemo nurse is your first call, not Google and not us. We sell hats and scarves, we're not medical people, and we'd never pretend otherwise. If your anti-sickness tablets aren't working, ring them. Don't wait until your next appointment and don't soldier on. There are several different types, and if the first one doesn't suit you, they can usually swap it for something else. People often feel they're making a fuss. You're not. This is exactly what the helpline number is for. Check with your team before you add anything new, even things that sound harmless like ginger capsules, peppermint oil or herbal teas. Some of them interact with treatment. Eat little, eat often An empty stomach can make sickness worse, which feels deeply unfair when eating is the last thing you fancy. Small amounts every couple of hours tend to sit better than three proper meals. Things people tell us worked for them: Dry crackers, plain toast or a few breadsticks first thing, before you even get out of bed Plain carbs like rice, pasta, potatoes and porridge Something salty, as crisps come up again and again in conversation Ice lollies and jelly, which count as fluid too If you can only face one thing for a fortnight, eat that one thing. Nobody is marking you on variety. Cold food is often kinder than hot Hot food gives off far more aroma, and smell is a huge trigger. A cold sandwich, a yoghurt or a bowl of cereal can be much easier to face than a cooked dinner. If you live with someone who can cook for you, ask them to do it with the kitchen door shut and a window open. Better still, ask them to plate yours up and let it cool. Lots of people find they can't be in the house while food is cooking but can eat it happily half an hour later. Sip slowly and keep sipping Drinking a lot in one go can bring nausea straight back. Small sips throughout the day work better. Keep a bottle or a glass within reach so you're not making a decision every time, you just drink because it's there. Cold drinks, fizzy water, weak squash and ice cubes all suit some people. Others go off water completely and find they need flavour. Both are normal. Smells will catch you out This is the one that surprises people. Perfume, washing powder, coffee, someone's aftershave on the bus. Any of it can turn your stomach over in seconds. A few things that help: Switch to a fragrance-free washing powder while you're in treatment Keep a window cracked open, or sit somewhere with moving air Ask family and friends to go easy on scent when they visit Carry something you find neutral or pleasant to sniff, like a clean cotton hankie Fresh air and gentle movement You don't need to be marching round a park. Sitting by an open window or in the garden for ten minutes shifts things for a lot of people. A slow walk to the end of the road and back can settle a queasy stomach better than lying still. Lying flat straight after eating tends to make sickness worse. Prop yourself up on pillows instead and give it half an hour. Give your brain somewhere else to be Nausea gets louder when you've got nothing else to think about. It's why 3pm on a quiet Tuesday can feel so much worse than a busy morning. Audiobooks and podcasts suit people who feel too rough to look at a screen. Puzzles, a familiar comfort programme you've seen a hundred times, or a phone call with someone who'll do most of the talking all help. Nothing demanding, this isn't the fortnight for a complicated box set! Stay comfortable from the neck up Feeling hot and clammy makes nausea considerably worse, and a lot of people find their head runs warm during treatment. A breathable chemo hat in bamboo or cotton jersey stays cool against the scalp and is easy to pull off in a hurry if you get a hot flush. If you're being sick, a pre-tied headscarf that pulls straight on beats anything you have to tie. You want something you can put on with one hand and no mirror. Learn the shape of your cycle By your second or third round, you'll start to notice a pattern. Most people find days two to four are the hardest, then things lift. Once you know your pattern, plan around it. Batch cook or stock the freezer before treatment day. Book visitors for your good days. Move the appointments and the shopping to the end of the cycle. Knowing when you'll feel rough takes some of the fear out of it. When to ring the helpline Call your chemo helpline or your team, day or night, if: You can't keep fluids down for more than a few hours You've been sick repeatedly and can't stop You feel dizzy, confused or unusually weak You have a temperature alongside the sickness Something feels wrong, even if it's not on any list You'll have been given a 24-hour number when you started treatment. Stick it on the fridge. It's there so you use it. A last thought Nausea passes. It won't feel like it on day three, but it does. Almost everyone who comes back to us months later says the sick days blurred into one and the good days came back faster than they expected. Be kind to yourself, eat the crisps, and ring the helpline when you need to. Frequently asked questions How long does nausea last after chemotherapy? It varies with the drugs you're on and how you respond. Many people find the worst is over within a few days of each session, then they pick up before the next round. Your chemo nurse can tell you what's typical for your particular treatment. Does everyone feel sick during chemo? No. Some people sail through with very little sickness, especially with modern anti-sickness medicine. Others struggle more. There's no way to predict which you'll be until you start. What foods are easiest during chemo nausea? Plain, cold and simple. Crackers, toast, rice, potatoes, yoghurt, ice lollies and salty snacks are the ones people mention most. Strong smells and rich food are usually harder. Can I take ginger for chemo sickness? Ask your oncology team first. Ginger helps some people, but it can interact with certain treatments, so it needs checking rather than assuming. Written for chemotherapyheadwear.com. Not medical advice. Always speak to your oncology team about side effects and medication.

How To Tie A Square Chemo Head Scarves

There are many ways to tie a head scarf, here are some of our favourites.  If you want a simple way to tie it, get a hairband and drape the fabric over your head, gathering the ends into a ponytail.  On days when you want to be more creative, take a look at some ideas below Scarf Tying Tips Getting to grips with tying a chemo headscarf can be frustrating. You need to build muscle-memory with your fingers and this can take time, but here are a few tips that might help make the process easier: Start learning when you have some quiet time to yourself. Make yourself a cup of tea/coffee and give yourself 20mins to just have a play and give some of the styles a go. Dont try learning how to tie a chemo headscarf when you are under time pressure or have visitors popping in and out, you will only get frustrated.   Use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric tension. There is no need to grip your headscarf tightly, just hold onto the ends and after you have crossed them over behind your head or tied a single knot, let them relax and use the weight of your arms to keep the fabric taught. This not only gives your arms a break (especially if you have had breast surgery), but it also helps you pause a little before moving onto the next steps   If tying the knots is a pain, use an elastic band or hairband (we recommend a hairband because elastic bands can be difficult to use). Sweep the ends together and tie them like you would do a ponytail. The benefit of tying your headscarf this way is three-fold; it helps you tighten your headscarf whenever you need to, you can take your headscarf off your head and put it back on without having to re-tie it, and you can also use the hairband to create a bow by passing the ends of your headscarf partially through a section of the hairband.   Style 1The Free Spirit Using a square chemo head scarf, fold it from corner to corner so it makes a triangle, then fold the long edge over a few times. Place the chemotherapy scarf on your head, the long part needs to be across the forehead and the pointed part of the scarf must be at the back of the head. To tie the scarf, pull both ends behind your ears around the back of the head. Style 2. The Classic Wrap This style gives full coverage and stays comfortable all day and works if you have a rectangular or square scarf. If starting with a square scarf, either fold it in half to make a rectangle, or a triangle - it works both ways! Place the scarf over your head so it’s even on both sides, with the front edge sitting just above your eyebrows. Cross the ends at the nape of your neck and pull them snugly (but not too tight). Bring both ends up to the front of your head and tie a firm knot.  Tuck the loose ends under the scarf for a smooth, tidy finish. Style 3. The Side Knot If you want something with a softer, more relaxed feel, try the side knot.  Fold your scarf into a triangle and place it over your head so the long edge sits across your forehead.  Bring the ends around to one side of your head just below your earlobe.  Tie them once, then twist the ends together and loop them into a small knot just above your ear, securing the ends by tucking them part of the way through the middle of your twisted knot. 

Yoga During Chemotherapy: Gentle Movement, Real Benefits

Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you're going through chemotherapy. But gentle movement — and yoga in particular — can make a real difference to how you feel during treatment, both physically and emotionally. That's not just anecdotal. There's good research behind it. Studies have found that gentle yoga during cancer treatment can reduce fatigue, improve sleep and help with anxiety. And unlike many things during this period, it's something you can control. What gentle yoga can do for you during treatment It helps with fatigue Counterintuitive as it sounds, gentle movement can actually reduce the tiredness that chemotherapy causes. When you rest completely, fatigue tends to build. When you move gently, even for just 20 minutes, your body responds by circulating oxygen more efficiently, which can leave you feeling more energised rather than more depleted. It supports your emotional wellbeing Treatment is stressful. The uncertainty, the appointments, the side effects, the way your body changes — it adds up. Yoga works directly on the nervous system through breathwork and slow, deliberate movement, and this has a measurable effect on anxiety and low mood. A lot of people find that an hour in a yoga class is one of the few times in the week when their mind quietens down. It helps you sleep Sleep disruption is really common during chemotherapy. Pain, discomfort, anxiety and the drugs themselves can all interfere with it. Regular gentle yoga (particularly the breathing and relaxation components) can help regulate your sleep patterns over time. It keeps your body moving Muscle weakness and stiffness can develop during treatment, particularly if you're less active than usual. Gentle yoga helps maintain the range of movement in your joints and keeps muscles from weakening unnecessarily. The key word is gentle — yoga for cancer patients looks very different from a standard yoga class. It connects you with other people Going through chemo can be an isolating experience. A yoga class — even online — puts you in a room (virtual or physical) with other people who understand what you're going through. That connection matters more than it might sound. What to be careful of Yoga is generally very safe for cancer patients, but there are a few things worth knowing before you start. Talk to your oncology team first. They'll be able to tell you if there are any specific reasons why yoga might not be suitable for you right now. Your yoga teacher will ask about your blood counts. Your platelet count needs to be high enough to exercise safely, and any surgical incisions need to be properly healed before you start. Listen to your body, every single session. Treatment affects you differently day to day. On the hard days, simply showing up and focusing on your breathing is enough. Hygiene matters during treatment. If attending an in-person class, use your own mat and props. Online classes sidestep this entirely. Stay hydrated. Drink water before and after your session. Where to start: a free online class with Mo Mo is an experienced yoga teacher who has trained specifically in teaching yoga for cancer patients. She isn't teaching a watered-down version of a standard class — she's teaching something built from the ground up for people in your situation. Mo runs free online yoga classes for cancer patients every Tuesday from 11am to 12pm. They're gentle, welcoming and a wonderful hour in the week. To join or find out more, email Mo directly: mo@yogaforcancernewforest.co.uk You don't need any previous yoga experience. You just need to show up.

Life Kitchen: A Free Cookbook Designed for Cancer Patients

One of the side effects of chemotherapy that doesn't get talked about enough is the change in taste. For some people, food stops tasting the way it should — metallic, flat, or just different in ways that are hard to describe. Eating becomes less of a pleasure and more of a chore, which is the last thing you need when you're trying to keep your strength up. Life Kitchen is a not-for-profit cookery school founded by chefs Ryan Riley and Kimberley Duke, both of whom lost their mothers to cancer. Ryan has spoken about watching his mother lose her sense of taste during treatment and feeling powerless to help. Life Kitchen was their answer to that. What's in the cookbook? The free cookbook contains 15 recipes built around three ingredients that research suggests help stimulate flavour even when taste is dulled by chemotherapy: Miso paste — umami-rich and one of the most effective flavour enhancers when taste is compromised. Spring onions — bring freshness and a gentle sharpness to dishes. Garam masala — adds warmth and complexity that cuts through the flatness chemotherapy can cause. The recipes are simple, practical and designed to be cooked by someone who might not have a lot of energy. They're not about being impressive — they're about making eating enjoyable again. How to get a copy The cookbook is free. Visit the Life Kitchen website (lifekitchen.co.uk) to download your copy or find out about their cookery classes. We'll keep this post updated if Life Kitchen release new resources. If you know of other free resources for cancer patients that we should feature, please get in touch at hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.

Free Support and Resources for Cancer Patients: Our Recommendations

Over the years, I've come across some remarkable organisations doing quiet, brilliant work to support people through cancer treatment. These are the ones I recommend most often to customers — all of them completely free to access.Jen's Friends — Free Mastectomy PillowsJen's Friends send free heart-shaped mastectomy pillows to women recovering from breast surgery. The pillows are made by a network of volunteer crafters and filled with premium soft stuffing. All you pay is postage (£4 for one pillow, £6.50 for two).Find them on Facebook and message the team directly to place your request. Allow around three weeks for delivery. We've written a full post about Jen's Friends on this blog if you'd like to know more.Headwrappers — Free Scarf-Tying SessionsThere are monthly free scarf-tying sessions in partnership with Headwrappers every last Thursday of the month. Everyone who registers receives a free goody bag in the post containing a cotton headscarf, samples and discount vouchers.Headwrappers also run Tea, Topknots and Turbans — a twice-monthly informal chat session where patients can connect, share tips and hear from guest speakers. These sessions are particularly valuable for those who don't have easy access to in-person support.Register for the next session at www.headwrappers.org.Hair Reborn — Free Hair Styling ServiceHair Reborn is a charity that offers free hair styling appointments for people experiencing hair loss as a result of chemotherapy. If your hair is beginning to grow back and you're not sure what to do with it, or if you just want the confidence of a professional appointment, this is a wonderful service. Visit hairreborn.uk to find out more.Chemotherapy Headwear — Free Advice and ConsultationsWe're also here for you. Whether you have questions about what to wear, want to talk through the options or just need someone who understands — please get in touch. We offer free video consultations and have been helping patients and their families since 2008. Call us on 01590 381 395 or email hello@chemotherapyheadwear.com.

Free Online Scarf-Tying Sessions with Headwrappers: What to Expect

One of the things I'm most proud of at Chemotherapy Headwear is the free scarf-tying sessions we offer and the monthly sessions we help people join that are run by the wonderful team at Headwrappers, who have now joined forces with Look Good Feel Better.They started during lockdown when we were both looking for ways to support cancer patients who couldn't get to in-person events. They've kept going ever since — and have grown into something really special.What happens in a session?The sessions run on the last Thursday of every month, 11am–12pm. They're friendly, relaxed and genuinely useful. Here's what you can expect: Headwrappers send a free square cotton headscarf to everyone who registers, so you can follow along on the day and try each style as it's demonstrated. The Headwrappers team show you several different scarf-tying techniques, from classic wraps to turbans and more creative styles. There's time for questions, troubleshooting and a lot of warmth and mutual support between the women attending. Numbers are kept small on purpose, so everyone gets proper attention. You can join in and practise along, or just watch — there's no pressure either way.Tea, Topknots and TurbansHeadwrappers also run a separate, more informal session called Tea, Topknots and Turbans — held twice a month for anyone who wants to chat, share tips and hear from guest speakers on topics ranging from headwear and make-up to wigs and other charities. It's a lovely way to connect with other people who really understand what you're going through.How to sign upHead to www.headwrappers.org to register for the next session. Once registered, your free goody bag — including the cotton headscarf — will be posted out to you.Every session is fun, supportive and completely free. If you would like one-to-one support, please get in touch with me and I will book an individual appointment in with you.

Free Mastectomy Pillows from Jen's Friends: How to Get One

Working in cancer support for as long as I have, you come across some truly wonderful organisations doing quiet, brilliant work. Jen's Friends is one of them.They send heart-shaped pillows to women who have had a mastectomy or breast surgery. The pillows are shaped to provide comfort and protection as you heal — the kind of thing that makes the weeks after surgery a little more bearable. And they're free.How to get a Mastectomy PillowThe process is straightforward: Go to the Jen's Friends Facebook page and send the team a message via Messenger, letting them know how many pillows you need (one for a single mastectomy, two for a double). Send your delivery address. They'll come back to you with instructions on how to pay the postage — £4 for one pillow or £6.50 for two. Allow up to three weeks for delivery. The team are volunteers with full-time jobs, so a little patience goes a long way. Who makes the pillows?The covers are made by an army of volunteer crafters who donate their time and skills. The Jen's Friends team then stuff them with soft filling and get them out to the women who need them. It's a genuinely community-driven operation, and the warmth behind it shows in every pillow they send.Want to get involved?If you're crafty and want to contribute, head to the Jen's Friends Facebook page for the pattern and instructions. Donating a pillow cover is a lovely way to support other women going through breast cancer treatment.We also stock our own range of mastectomy pillows here at Chemotherapy Headwear — if you'd like something a little quicker or want to choose your own fabric, take a look at our range.