A York student has helped support cancer patients dealing with the trauma of hair loss.

York College student Emma Hogg designed a range of head coverings for her work placement module during the second year of her BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Garment Technology degree course at the college's University Centre in Sim Balk Lane.

The designs came after Emma met with a focus group who had experienced hair loss due to cancer treatment and their needs and opinions informed her finished designs.

York College student Emma HoggYork College student Emma Hogg (Image: York College) She collaborated with the Leveson Centre, York Against Cancer and York Learning.

Comfort, ease of use, ethical sourcing, materials and cost were all issues discussed and considered by the focus group during meetings at the Leveson Centre, which opened in 2023 and helps support people living with cancer.

'A welcome alternative to the more complex headwraps or standard wigs that are currently offered'

Emma, who is now entering the third year of her course, was supported on the project by her tutor Kate Unsworth and the pair are now intending to work together to expand the collection over the coming months with the three initial designs having been named after focus group participants Rachel, Anna and Catherine.

Two of the three initial designs named after and worn by focus group members Anna and Catherine Focus group members Anna wearing a headband which would be worn at the beginning of treatment, and Catherine wearing headwear named after herself (Image: York College) Students on the college’s BA (Hons) Graphic and Communication Design degree course will have responsibility for designing a label for the new headwear, as part a module, choosing the name and slogan of 'Toppers – What to Wear When You Have Got Less Hair.'

Emma said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this live project.

"Thanks to the courageous ladies who participated in the focus groups, we gained invaluable insights and designed products to hopefully alleviate some of the issues they faced for future patients.”

Kate Unsworth said: “Emma produced some amazing designs which were very well received by the focus group and will be a welcome alternative to the more complex headwraps or standard wigs that are currently offered.

"As a collective, we have enjoyed working together to help local people with a cancer diagnosis overcome the distressing side effects of treatment.”

Focus group participant Rachel Barker with the head covering named after her Focus group member Rachel Barker with the head covering named after her (Image: York College) A need for more comfortable, well-fitted head coverings as an alternative to wigs was identified by the Leveson Centre, who were being informed that the standard scarves on offer were difficult to tie due to treatment-related restrictions to their movement or also contained seams that irritated their sensitive scalps.

Local cancer patients will be able to try on head coverings in a private space at the Leveson Centre and receive a bespoke piece designed by York College and produced by the City of York Council skills provider York Learning.

Funds are still needed for the project and any businesses who might be interested in sponsorship should contact the Leveson Centre by emailing support@thelevesoncentre.org.uk