Cancer patients in Tameside & Glossop given 'Better Days' boost

Cancer patients in Tameside and Glossop can now access free wig fitting services in a bespoke salon environment after the grand opening of a fantastic new service.

Cancer patients in Tameside and Glossop can now access free wig fitting services in a bespoke salon environment after the grand opening of a fantastic new service.

‘Better Days’, based at Tropical Palms on Chappell Road, will offer wig fitting, hair and beauty treatments to cancer patients in a bespoke, non-clinical, salon surrounding, helping to boost users self-esteem.

Better Days is the brainchild of Laura and Wayne Coyle, who were inspired to make change three years ago, when Laura’s mum was diagnosed with secondary cancer.

Speaking at the official opening of the beautiful new Better Days salon last Monday evening, Laura said: “I just wanted to try and do something so that we could give back. We already had the salon so I thought the best way would be to do wig fitting.

“I started doing it for the NHS and just felt the service that patients received was too clinical. It was in the hospitals, the wigs were basic and it was not personalised. I just wanted to give people something special and make them feel normal again for the day.”

Laura added: “I can’t even put it into words how it feels to see Better Days officially open. Seeing everybody’s reaction has been amazing and the results so far have been absolutely amazing.”

Despite only officially opening last Monday, there are already 15 people who want to access Better Days, with referrals from other local cancer services such as the Tameside Macmillan Unit and Cancer Warriors.

Feedback from users who have accessed the service has been overwhelmingly positive. Suzanne Burke, from Mossley, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October and is currently undergoing chemotherapy following surgery.

After losing her hair, Suzanne was directed to Better Days by a family friend and asked to model a wig by Laura.

“I came down and it was gorgeous,” Suzanne said. “They pampered me like a princess. I had all my make up done then they fitted my wig and it was stunning. It’s just an amazing feeling.

“I was at the Christie the other day and the wig room there is like walking into a shop, but the room here is so lovely. What I like about it is the fact that you’re actually coming in to a salon. It’s so bespoke and it’s to make you feel good. I guess a lot of ladies would be quote conscious of walking into a hairdressers to have their wigs cut, but this is an absolute gem. It’s a fantastic service to provide and it’s done with such care and love.”

Better Days was made possible after a £24,656 investment from the Community Wellbeing Programme, led by Action Together. The programme aims to reduce demand on health and social care services, support an asset based approach and invest in ideas that support the wellbeing of Tameside residents.

Speaking at Monday’s grand opening, Action Together’s Senior Partnerships and Projects Officer, Dawn Acton, said: “Today is the official opening of Better Days and there are already 15 people who want to access the service. This shows how much this project is needed and I think we are so lucky to have this for our Tameside and Glossop residents.

“Laura’s aim is to ensure that the people of Tameside and Glossop have the best hair care, advice and support and I would like to thank Laura, Wayne and the rest of the team for setting up this exciting new project.”

Money from the Community Wellbeing Programme will be available to access until March 2020. Groups can apply for different tiers of investment, up to £25,000, by visiting www.actiontogether.org.uk/node/2799.

The first major fundraising event for Better Days took place at Stanley House in Audenshaw on Saturday night.

The ‘Better Days’ ball was be a night of Motown music and dancing, hosted by Darren Proctor from The Hits radio.

All proceeds raised on the night will be used for buying bespoke wigs for the service.

For more information on Better Days visit www.facebook.com/BetterDaysHairSpecialists.