New Home for Cancer Council's Wig Service

The ACT’s Cancer Council Wig Service has moved to a new location in Fairbairn.
The facility, which opened its doors on Friday, 11 April, assists patients who have experienced hair loss due to cancer.
Sue West, Supportive Care services program administrator, said the new location was a big improvement from the service’s old home at the Canberra Hospital.
“At the hospital we had a small room, as you could see the room we have now is bigger and allows us to display the wigs.”

The service has 65 wigs on display with over 40 extra on premise

Ms West also said the new location was more inviting and welcoming.
“We have windows everywhere; our location at the hospital had no windows. We’re also allowed to be open from 9 to 5, while at the hospital we had limited hours.”
The service in Fairbairn has 65 wigs on display with over 40 extra wigs on the premise.
The Wig Service tries to cater for everyone.
“We have all sorts (of wigs); straight, short, curly, long, grey; we have different shades of grey wigs, light hair and dark. We also have smaller wigs to fit petite heads,” Ms West said.
The role these services play are important to someone who is going through cancer, while emotionally easing this difficult time.
“It helps bring their confidence back. We sell turbans if they’d prefer and it just gives them self-esteem.”
The wigs are also more affordable with the most expensive wigs around $60.
The facility’s new home means the Wig Service is able to operate on its own, rather than working around the constraints of the hospital.
Individuals looking to buy a wig now have a wider selection to chose from, in a more inviting space, with convenient hours, to make this trying time a little easier.
by Mallory Bugeja