Janet

In 2014, Janet was awarded the title of National Volunteer of the Year, here’s what she had to say about her experience with the program…

“Estée Lauder in Perth invited us to be part of the Look Good Feel Better program in 1992 and Myer Perth were very supportive giving me the time to volunteer at workshops. I had lost family and friends to cancer and we often had customers looking for help. I felt we could make a difference with this program.

Today my favourite part about volunteering is showing patients how to apply make-up; seeing the difference a green corrector or concealer can make, and of course showing ladies how to put on eyebrows and bring a bit of colour to the lips and cheeks. Skincare and make-up is often the last thing on their mind but at the workshops they get into the swing of it and have a great morning with lots of fun and laughter.

My most memorable moment with the program would have to be at a regional workshop in a small country town. One patient asked, ‘do normal people use eyebrow pencils?’ She felt so overwhelmed, particularly as she lived remotely and had travelled two hours to be there. She felt it was important for her and her family that she come to the workshop. With a little help she did a wonderful job with her make-up. After trying on hats and wigs she started to feel normal again and could not stop looking in the mirror.

The workshops are so important. We offer such a positive morning, showing ladies how to face the changes to their skin. Often losing eyebrows and hair loss is very traumatic. I feel it’s their time with the wonderful cosmetics they are given. We also laugh and enjoy the workshop, it’s so important they look for some humour and make friends with other patients.

Receiving the National Volunteer of the Year award is very humbling. All the volunteers do such a wonderful job and are so dedicated. I know the patients feel the compassion and warmth from all of us. It really is an honour and I feel very proud for Western Australia.

I have been in cosmetics for most of my working life and my management coaching and mentoring skills have helped me to be a good volunteer. To others wishing to join, I would say you need to be compassionate and professional, have empathy, a good sense of humour and encourage and praise patients and volunteers. You have to be committed to promoting Look Good Feel Better and prepared to pass on these skills to other volunteers.

If you love helping people and have cosmetic experience do not hesitate to join the Look Good Feel Better team. It’s a wonderful experience to feel you have made a difference. The cosmetic companies are so generous and our workshops simply would not be what they are without their wonderful support.”