Women in our care are being treated to make-up masterclasses and pampering therapy sessions as part of a pioneering pilot scheme.

The hospice’s complementary therapy team have been working with the national beauty industry charity, Look Good Feel Better, to deliver skincare and cosmetic classes which help people gain confidence about their appearance after medical treatment.

The first session was a roaring success with lots of laughter and smiles from the ladies as they received a free bumper beauty bag full of donated cosmetic products, learned how to draw back eyebrows and deal with changes to skin.

Look Good Feel Better traditionally work with cancer patients but are expanding their work into end of life care across the UK thanks to the support of Severn Hospice. The next workshop will be run by the hospice’s complementary therapy team who have been trained by Look Good Feel Better to deliver the classes themselves.

Complementary therapy team leader, Sue Williams, said: “Coping with a life-limiting illness shouldn’t be a barrier to living well and these sessions will give our patients the chance to experiment and have fun, share stories and spend time with others in similar situations, and ultimately feel and look better. Our ladies said they had a fabulous time and it absolutely achieved what we set out to do for them.

“We are absolutely delighted to be the first hospice in the UK to be working on a large scale project with the team from Look Good Feel Better. They’re the UK beauty industry’s charity and do fantastic work men and women living with cancer and now for the first time people with other life-limiting conditions through their new hospice programme.  Our first masterclass was brilliant and we look forward to running many more.”

The ladies wholeheartedly agreed and said it was a fantastic, positive opportunity to take them away from day-to-day treatment and worries.

Carol said: “I have absolutely loved today – I feel relaxed and happy. I enjoyed the laughter and learning new make-up techniques, and Sarah the make-up artist was very knowledgeable. I’d love to do more classes! It takes you away from what you’re going through.”

Vicky normally wears make-up but finds it hard to apply since becoming ill, added: “I have really enjoyed today, I feel really good – I feel like myself. I have been looking forward to doing this for months.”

View more photos of the day here.