Real stories

Read or listen to real stories from people affected by visible difference, their parents and families, as well as Changing Faces staff and volunteers. Inspired to share your story? We’d love to hear it – share your story now.

All stories

A close up image of a white woman with dark red hair who has marks on her skin from acne

Sarah’s story: “In my career, I’ve had to deal with hurtful remarks”

24 March 2022

As a beauty therapist, Sarah has had hurtful comments about her skin. Now, she tells students to treat each client with compassion.

April, is seven years old and has blonde hair on the left side of her head, and brunette on the right. Her visible difference is seen through the bones in her left cheek and jaw bones, making the left side of her face appear larger. April smiles at the camera, she is stood in front of a pond and is wearing a fluffy white coat and black spotted dress.

Vikki’s story: “I now know how to react to people’s stares”

18 March 2022

With help from our Support and Information line, Vikki learned how to respond to stares and questions about her child’s appearance.

Susan, Head of Education & Learning, outside with a backpack

Susan introduces our new youth work resources

16 March 2022

Our Head of Education and Learning, Susan, shares how our new resources can help youth workers and volunteers better support young people with visible differences.

A woman with long brunette hair and glasses smiling at the camera

Karen’s story: “I kept telling myself: ‘They’re just freckles'”

9 March 2022

Karen's skin condition caused her a tough time at school and university. But moving to Australia in her twenties changed her outlook on life.

Sophie, a woman in her 20s, with long dark hair. She has a scar on her forehead and eyebrow. She's wearing a pink blouse.

Sophie: “I have found my femininity and am embracing it to the fullest”

7 March 2022

Sophie shares what being a woman with a visible difference means to her.

A young man outside, facing the camera and holding a copy of the book "Wonder"

Marcus on what Wonder means to him

2 March 2022

Our Young Media Champion, Marcus, shares the impact reading Wonder had on him as he grew up.

A woman is smiling at the camera with her elbow on a table and her hand propped under her chin. She wears big aviator glasses and big, heart-shaped yellow earrings.

Katy’s journey towards confidence

2 March 2022

Katy, who was born with Goldenhar syndrome, understood that she needed support to change the way she saw herself.

Heather Blake, a woman with shoulder length brown hair and a fringe, standing in front of some bushes

Heather introduces our new strategy

23 February 2022

Our Chief Executive, Heather, shares how we developed our new strategy and ambitious goals.

A man wearing glasses and a patterned black and white top smiles at the camera against a black background.

Ryan on the importance of mental health and wellbeing support

23 February 2022

Our campaigner Ryan shares his views on why support and awareness raising are key to our new strategy.

Nicoya, a white woman in her 30s, who has brown hair and right sided facial paralysis. She's looking at the camera.

Nicoya’s story: “No one should fear being seen”

16 February 2022

Talking about Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and her facial paralysis online has helped Nicoya build confidence and accept her visible difference.

Head of Wellbeing Sam Cheatle looks at the camera

Sam shares top tips for self-care and self-love

14 February 2022

Sam, our Head of Wellbeing Services, shares five top tips that you can try to help you feel positive, happy and resilient.

Rebecca, a woman who has curly brown hair pulled back from her face. She is wearing a floral print jacket and glasses and looking at the camera.

Rebecca shares wellbeing tips for parents

10 February 2022

Our wellbeing practitioner Rebecca shares five top tips for parents to support their child's mental health and wellbeing…