This page was originally published on 16 March 2020. It was then updated at 12pm on 19 March 2020 and 9am on 6 April 2020.
Given the fast-moving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to let you know about the steps that Changing Faces is taking and how you can get support.
Our first and foremost concern is always the health and safety of those we support, our staff and volunteers, whilst continuing to provide services to people with visible differences.
We recognise it is a very difficult time and that the situation is changing quickly. We want to reassure you that we are following the latest Government and NHS advice and taking active measures to minimise the impact of the virus.
We know that many people in our community will be concerned about the situation and how they can get the advice and support they need.
Our primary concern is the wellbeing and health of our school partners, clients, staff, volunteers and young campaigners.
Here’s how we can help:
Wellbeing services
Our Wellbeing Support and Information Line will be available as usual on 0300 012 0275 from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Call or contact us online to gain confidential support and to explore your options around coping with visible difference and the impact this has on your life. This is open to adults, children, parents and families.
To ensure the health and safety of all our clients, staff and volunteers, we regret we will no longer be able to offer you face-to-face appointments for 1-1 counselling from Wednesday 18 March until further notice. However, our 1-1 counselling sessions will still run via phone calls and Zoom. To access these, please call the Support and Information Line to discuss what you would like to do.
Our online community and self-help resources will all run online as usual. We are also setting up a new online peer group chat for adults. Our Advice and Support webpages can also provide you with more information.
If you are feeling very anxious or worried about COVID-19, please contact helplines such as the Samaritans, Mind InfoLine or SANEline to talk things through. If you are in mental health crisis at any time, please get in touch with your GP, 999 or the Samaritans.
Skin Camouflage services
In light of the continuing COVID-19 situation, Changing Faces have taken the difficult decision to pause all skin camouflage clinics from Wednesday 18 March until further notice.
We will be in touch with all those affected who have appointments and let you know when it feels right to reinstate clinics. This will be carefully considered in line with the latest Government and NHS advice.
While we know many of you will be disappointed, please know that we have not taken this decision lightly and have done so to safeguard the health and safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff.
Unfortunately, at this time we are also unable to accept new referrals. Please be assured that we will get the service back on track as soon as we can and if you’d like us to get in touch when this happens, you can register your interest via our online form.
Our social media channels and this web page will be updated regularly to keep you informed and supported in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, please do follow the NHS guidelines on how to stay well.
Schools workshops in Scotland
Changing Faces has taken the very difficult decision to withdraw our Face Equality Schools Workshops in Scotland until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Our primary concern is the wellbeing and health of our school partners, clients, staff, volunteers and young campaigners. In the coming weeks we will continue to review the position and respond to Government guidance. Please check our website for the latest information.
If you have any questions or concerns about a workshop please don’t hesitate to email [email protected].
At Changing Faces, we are determined to carry on supporting people who need our help and advice. We will respond as quickly as possible to any enquiries and thank you for your understanding.