Why we exist
There are over one million people in the UK who have a disfigurement which affects their face, hands or body. Over 500,000 people have facial disfigurements.There are many, many causes.
The causes
Some people are born with disfiguring conditions. These include birthmarks (for example, portwine stains, haemangiomas and moles), cleft lip and/or palates and unusual formations of the skull and other features of the face as a result of craniofacial syndromes like Apert and Crouzon syndromes.
Others acquire disfigurements through accidents such as scars from a road traffic accident or burn injuries as a result of a house fire; some from violence – scarring as a result of acid attacks, stabbings or shootings – or after treatment for a disease such as facial cancer; others still from illness e.g. facial paralysis after a stroke or from medical accidents such as mistakes in cosmetic procedures.
Disfigurement can also be caused by common skin conditions like acne, eczema, vitiligo or psoriasis, and by others which alter the texture of the skin such as neurofibromatosis and epidermolysis bullosa.
Surgery and other medical treatments
Modern reconstructive surgery and medical treatments can be effective in making some disfigurements much less noticeable but a disfigurement can rarely be removed completely. Some scarring, asymmetry or complexion change usually remains.
The psychological and social effects
Largely as a result of other people’s reactions and the culture in which we live, living with a disfigurement can be a major challenge for an individual and their family. People with disfigurements can experience serious problems in social situations, leading to high levels of social anxiety and depression, lowered self-esteem and self-confidence, and difficulties in getting employment. Many children at school experience name-calling and other forms of bullying as well as being ostracized because of their appearance. This can often lead to behavioural problems, poor academic performance and difficulties in making friends.
It doesn’t have to be like this
Overcoming these difficulties is possible. In 1992 James Partridge founded Changing Faces to address the psychological and social impact of living with a disfigurement. He pioneered a package of support which has enabled thousands of children, young people and adults to develop strong self-esteem and the confidence to get on with their lives in a positive way.
Our extensive research and experience in supporting people with disfigurements show that three factors are particularly important in enabling someone to adjust to living with an unusual appearance:
1. Getting realistic information about the treatment options available.
2. Learning how to manage other people's reactions in social situations of all kinds.
3. Getting quality support from family, friends, an appropriate professional or support group.
What is our vision
Our mission is to work for a better and fairer future for people with disfigurements.
Our aim is to support and represent the interests of people with disfigurement.
Our goal is a just and fair world where:
- Everyone with a disfigurement will have high self-esteem and self-confidence
- Every health clinic, school and workplace and workplace will address disfigurement with confidence.
- Everyone in society will be able to face disfigurement with confidence whether or not they have a disfiguring condition.
Your Comments
If you are struggling to cope and you would like to speak to someone in confidence, please call 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk. Please note, we are not able to contact anyone after they have left a message on this board.
First Name, Ag, Location
Comment
Rebecca, 24, London
What a fab website and a real source of inspiration and support! Thank you and please keep up the good work :)
jackie, 61, cromer norfolk
Commenti am 61 and never realised there was help out there i have a birthmark on the left side of my face .from scool to work place i have had to deal with other peoples stares and comments all very hurtfull
Melanie HANSON, 31, Leeds
I suffer from cruzon syndrome would like to attend support group
Joe, 47, Madrid
Yes Sandra It would be nice to have a support group llke this in other countries. I livein Spain and like you had a disfigured nose until i was 19. I wish this organiastion had been around when i was growing up the 1960 and 70,s.in England. I remeber the pointing the name calling and the rejection. and wondering why me. Now I am happly married and live in Madrid. My wife could see beyond my looks . I am a school teacher and have never really found it to be a problem. the kids soon forget who u are if u are good at yur job ,Anyway keep in touch. anybody no of a similar organisation in the Madrid
Madeline, 33, London
Living with Moebious Syndrome is very difficult specifically because of the lack of awareness, even from doctors. I had to change country in order to be able to survive i.e. find a job and therefore it is essential to point out how important this organisation is. I seeked advise in Changing Faces first time in 2000 and from then it has played a big role in my life and my transformation to a more confident person. It also helped me to direct my anger effectively and be able to pursue my professional and personal dreams. Keep at the good work!
Magda, 22, Poland
it's very interesting webside!
Sandra, 20, Sydney
I had a disfigured nose until surgery at 15 and suffered much because of it. I heard of this website through your advertisement campaigns and it brought back so many memories. In a way, it was cathartic. So I would like to thank you for this website and these facilities, knowing that there is an institution helping people with similar, or worse, experiences (such as children pointing you out on the street and being scared) is very comforting. I only wish there was a similar charity in Australia.
Changing Faces, London
If you are struggling to cope and you would like to speak to someone in confidence, please call 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk
donna, 43, leicester
I am finding things so difficult. Its gettimg harder to be me.Idont know anything about new treatment. Ihave never talked. I tried suicide once. Still no help.I have just found out the skin on my birthmark can become worse.I need help.
Evan, 29, Suffolk
I was inspired to seek further information after hearing Henrietta on a BBC radio program with Claudia Hammond this week. Listening to Henrietta 's articulate and charming interview, as well as spending time on this website has increased my awareness and compassion for others in this hard and fast modern world.
SJ, 39, Cambridge, UK
Thank You!
SJ, 39, Cambridge. UK
Changing faces has been instrumental in helping me see the world beyond my disfigurement. i attended changing faces in the early phase of its development and i am delighted that James original idea is now a thriving organization. The knowledge and skills acquired on attending the workshops has resulted in my empowerment. i spent much of my childhood and early adulthood with the feeling that i was a far from perfect. i realize that my disfigurement is an important part of my physical appearance and i am a beautiful woman with a wonderful personality.
D.C., 40, USA
Experience I grew up with a facial port wine stain that changed at 13 and the vascular malformation in my nose caused the skin to grow uncontrollably. I had a very difficult time growing up in the US - people are cruel. My mother taught me to be kind in response, but I didn't want to - I was angry by the treatment and being nice didn't make me feel any better. But obedience was really important. I learned that people saw past the mark when I ignored their comments or reacted positively. Did that stop the bullying? No...but it helped because I had friends in just about every social group in school - and they would come to my aid. I have had multiple surgeries due to the dangerous possibility of an uncontrollable external bleed. I still wear makeup - though sometimes I will go out bare faced in a rush and not care. Strangely, those are sometimes my most confident days. Thank you for this website. It is extremely inspiring to me. I am proud of each person who bravely faces each day in a harsh world. God bless you!
lugonwa isma, 31, stoke on trent 19 clynes way st3 6js
Experience i have had bell balsy almost all my live any help and support
Lorna, 17, Scotland
I recently saw Jess' documentary on BBC Three and I found it really interesting. I just wanted to say you have my full support and your website is reallly great :]
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