Changing Faces is for everyone who has a scar, mark or condition on their face or body that makes them look different. We provide life-changing mental health, wellbeing and skin camouflage services. We work to transform understanding and acceptance of visible difference, and campaign to reduce prejudice and discrimination.
This Christmas, we’re asking for donations to help us continue to provide free support for anyone with a visible difference.
Lola’s story
Lola is a three-year-old girl with a haemangioma, known as a strawberry birthmark, on her left cheek and chin. In this video, Lola’s’s mum Lucy, explains how people treat Lola differently because she has a visible difference and how valuable our services are for children like Lola and their families.
Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for families impacted by a visible difference. When you’re out and about a lot more, you’re more likely to experience stares and unhelpful comments. It can really ruin the experience when you want to go out and do the normal things that everyone else is doing, without worrying about other people’s reactions.
Finley’s story
Finley sat with his parents Gemma and Keith
Finley was born with a condition called lymphangioma. Lymphangiomas are non-cancerous, fluid-filled cysts that appear in lymphatic vessels and don’t drain away. Finley’s case of lymphangioma presents as swelling in the face and extends to his airways, which is why he needs a tracheotomy.
I know that Changing Faces will always be there for Finley as he reaches each milestone, like starting school. For families like mine, Changing Faces is a lifeline.
Roman’s story
Roman and Stephanie
Roman was born with a Congenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN) on his forehead, which is a type of birthmark. A bad experience visiting Santa last year has left Stephanie, Roman’s mum, asking people to be more considerate before making comments that could unintentionally harm or upset children and families.
I’d like to ask everyone to remember to be kind and understanding towards parents of children with visible differences. While the season brings joy, it can also bring unwelcome attention that’s hard to navigate.
Why give to our Christmas Appeal?
This Christmas, you can support families by donating to the UK’s only free counselling and wellbeing services for people with a visible difference.
Please, help other families today, by making a gift
- £30 would fund a specialist counselling session, providing vital mental health support and information for anyone with a visible difference.
- £100 would fund a skin camouflage appointment, giving people choice and control over their appearance, empowering them to feel confident in their own skin.
Thank you to all our donors for helping us to support more families affected by visible differences.
