Mental Health United Kingdom Project #23785

Selfcare Workshops for Young People with Cancer

by Teens Unite Fighting Cancer

Project Report | Feb 5, 2019
A new workshop that smells so sweet

By Lesley Morris | Operations Manager

Identifying our favourites

The series of workshops that help the young people we support tune in to their “new” body, deal with issues of scarring, hair loss, and changes in body shape, as well as build confidence around body image are now titled “getting to know me”. And, we are continually looking for new ways to support these young people and rebuild their confidence following their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The start of the New Year saw a brand-new event in the Teens Unite Calendar– a Perfume Making workshop. In this workshop we were looking to investigate and understand the documented health benefits of some aromatherapy oils, said to stimulate a sense of smell and set off a reaction in the body. Experts say that the benefits are many, including a boost to well-being, relieving stress and helping to refresh the body.

In addition, many of the oils we were introduced to are said to aid relaxation – Ylang-Ylang; Geranium; Lavender; Lemon; Clary Sage and Chamomile. We were also very interested to work with some of the oils that are considered beneficial to those suffering from fatigue or nausea, so often side effects of the treatment these young people are going through.

For this workshop, we visited a beautiful craft haven in the hustle and bustle of London’s, Covent Garden, “Tea and Crafting”. On arrival, we were met by Tanya, who was who was ready to start the day teaching us about natural oils and aroma, and then showing us how to create some natural body scrubs and perfumes with the aromatherapy oils.

The young people worked in pairs sniffing and identifying the natural scents – starting with the sharp, fresh top notes, working through the mellow, balancing mid notes to the lingering depth and warmth of the base notes. We started to sound like we knew what we were talking about and the room filled with the mix of aromas, so at times we felt as though we were in a spa!

As they day went on, we started to make our own body scrubs - we chose our favourite scents from the range we had been introduced to and mixed them with sugar and coconut oil to make our very own personal scrub.

Everyone had very individual preferences of the aromas and their pairings - some preferred the top notes of grapefruit and lime whereas others preferred the deeper base notes of sandalwood and musk.

After we finished the scrubs, we went on to create our own perfume using our choice of natural aromatherapy oils – again everyone came up with something different and unique to them.

This was indeed a very gentle and relaxing Teens Day and one where everyone went away with a unique scrub and perfume to be proud of!

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our project and ensured that we continue to support some of the seven young people aged 13-24 who, every day in the UK, hear the words “you have cancer”.

Aromatherapy Oils

Thank you for supporting our workshop

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Nov 13, 2018
The stroke of a pencil to a splash of lip colour

By Lesley Morris | Operations Manager

Getting ready

In our last report, we were preparing for the next in our series of beauty workshops for young people battling cancer. In the middle of September, we made our way to the London Head Quarters of global tech company, our corporate partner, Ricoh. The building itself is quite something to behold, and the young people headed to the 22^nd floor, where they were greeted by a wall of glass, perfectly showcasing iconic views across the London Skyline.

Joining us for this event were our old friends, the very talented ladies from Look Good Feel Better, who join us every time, bringing with them their “Confidence Kits”. As they always do, these lovely ladies got to know who they would be looking after on the day, taking time to understand their skin tones and skin condition, and any special “needs” that they had, so that the gift bag they received was totally personalised.

The young people at the workshop were taught professional techniques to help them deal with an uneven skin tone, recreate missing eyebrows to frame their face, and how to create the effect of eyelashes that are so often lost through treatment. From the stroke of a pencil to a splash of lip colour, these amazing ladies volunteered their time to teach the young people all sorts of tips and tricks that help to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

As well as the workshop, the young people enjoyed a delicious lunch together, a real opportunity to get to know others in a similar situation, and this is where the bonds were really formed, with many of them walking away with phone numbers and social media connections of new friends and a whole new support network.

As the workshop came to a close, while still taking in the incredible views of our iconic Capital City, we enjoyed some relaxing and pampering mini treatments - we were treated to hand massage and nail painting as we watched the sun set.

Here's what some of the young people said about the event

"I've learnt new ways on how to apply makeup, making me feel more confident." - Caitlin, 15, Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumour Stage 3B

"I was able to meet others like myself and just be myself and be understood, I learnt some mistakes I was making whilst applying makeup." - Maarya, 22, Duodenal and bowel cancer

"The activity helped me feel more positive and has provided me more friendship and support…. Meeting others and getting to know them. Doing the makeover with help/guidance from the makeup artists. Learning new makeup tips and a free make up bag full with amazing products. Also, the view was beautiful."- Husna, 17, Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Learning new techniques 1

A new look

The group and the view

With the lovely ladies from Look Good Feel Better

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Sep 6, 2018
Getting ready for a new workshop and a new venue

By Lesley Morris | Operations Manager

Since our last report, we have been busy getting ready for another workshop from our Positive Steps program, all designed to help young people, aged 13-24, deal with the effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, encourage a positive outlook, increase confidence and self-esteem and teach new and life affirming skills.

The Beauty Workshops are part of the "Getting to Know Me " series in the Positive Steps program, which include yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, as well as beauty techniques. The effects of cancer and its treament can be life-chaging and the added stress that the side effects can have on ones appearance can be demoralising and very hard to cope with, especially if you're a young woman or a teenager.

These workshops are always very well attended, and very popular with the young people as not only are we joined by the very talented ladies from Look Good Feel Better, who teach us how to apply our make up. We discover some top tips from the experts and every one of the young people attending receives a gift bag full of make up, worth over £100. Ahead of the workshop, the Beauticians get to know the young people, their skin tones, and their skin condition, so that the gift bag is totally personalised.

As well as the workshop, the young people attending will enjoy a delicious lunch together, a real opportunity to get to know others in a similar situation, and this is where the bonds are really formed, with many of them walking away with phone numbers and social media connections of new friends and a new support network.

This time, with a new venue, on top of a fantastic workshop, personalised gift bag and delicious lunch, we will have incredible views out over this iconic City of ours. We're heading to the offices of Corporate Partner, Ricoh, situated in the Broadgate Tower, in itself an icon defining the London Skyline, and with floor to ceiling windows, which will offer perfect views across the Capital as we follow the workshop and lunch with some relaxing and pampering mini treatments such as hand massage and nail painting.

This workshop takes place on 12th September, and we will update you how it went, and show you the young people being rightly pampered the next time we report. In the meantime, we thank you for your continued support of our work, which is helping to bring together more of the seven young people, aged 13-24, who everyday in the UK hear the words "you have cancer".

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