Our volunteering stories: Charlotte & Look Good Feel Better

My decision to volunteer with Look Good Feel Better was shaped by both personal experience and my passion for makeup artistry. Having witnessed my Mum’s journey through breast cancer, I saw first-hand the emotional and physical impact that treatment can have on confidence and identity.

Alongside this personal connection, my background in makeup artistry gave me the practical skills to support others in a meaningful way. Makeup, to me, has always been more than appearance- it is a form of creativity, confidence, and empowerment. Volunteering allowed me to bring these skills into a space where they could genuinely uplift people facing (very) difficult circumstances.

The charity provides practical and emotional support to people undergoing cancer treatment through skincare, makeup, and wellbeing workshops designed to restore confidence and a sense of self. These sessions create a calm, supportive environment where participants can focus on themselves in a positive and empowering way, even while facing difficult circumstances.

The people supported by the charity are those currently navigating cancer treatment, often managing side effects such as hair loss, skin sensitivity, and fatigue. What stood out to me most was not only the physical impact of illness, but the emotional weight carried alongside it. The workshops were never just about learning makeup techniques; they were about conversation, reassurance, and connection. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, support one another, and rediscover small moments of confidence and normality.

I volunteered at makeup and skincare workshops held at The Royal Marsden Hospital, where I assisted with demonstrating techniques, guiding attendees step-by-step, and offering encouragement throughout each session. My background in makeup artistry allowed me to contribute practical skills, but the experience also taught me far more about empathy, patience, and the importance of simply listening. Each workshop had a warm and uplifting atmosphere, filled with openness, humour, and a strong sense of community that developed even within a short space of time.

Returning to The Royal Marsden carried particular emotional significance for me because of my mum’s previous breast cancer treatment there. Before volunteering, the hospital had been associated with fear, uncertainty, and difficult memories. Being able to re-enter that same space in a role focused on care and positivity was incredibly meaningful. Instead of leaving with feelings of worry or sadness, I left feeling hopeful, having witnessed genuine moments of confidence, resilience, and joy among the people attending the sessions.

I volunteered with Look Good Feel Better for a period of time prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person sessions were paused. Although this brought my volunteering to an unexpected stop, the impact of the experience has remained lasting. It strengthened my belief in compassionate, person-centred support and showed me how creative skills can be used to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Most importantly, it became a way to honour my mum’s journey while helping others feel confident, supported, and seen during their own.

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