Providing support and promoting respect for everyone with a visible difference

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Frequently asked questions

People often have questions about the services we offer to people with a visible difference. We’ve brought together some of the most common queries here.

We know that people visiting our services and support pages often have questions about the services we offer.

We have brought together the most common on this page.

Do I have to pay for your services?

We do not charge you for any Changing Faces services.

However, Changing Faces is a charity. We rely on donations to provide our services. If you feel you are able to make a donation, we would be very grateful.

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Can you give me medical information or advise me about treatment?

Changing Faces is not a medical organisation and so is not able to advise you about your medical condition, surgery or treatments. We recommend you speak with your GP, consultant or another health professional for detailed information about your medical situation or treatment options. You can view a list of other organisations here.

Can you help with funding for treatment?

Changing Faces is not able to pay for medical or other treatment and cannot advise you on this.

Can you refer me to a doctor or other health professional?

Changing Faces isn’t able to directly refer you to a health professional. However, we can help you to think about the questions you might like to ask.

Some of the people on these pages have very noticeable visible differences. My condition is less visible – can I still contact you?

We welcome contact from anyone who has any condition, mark or scar affecting the appearance of the body or face. We know that the visibility or size of a condition, mark or scar doesn’t necessarily relate to the impact it has on your life.

Initially, we will have a conversation with you to explore how we may be able to help and which options are appropriate for you.

Some people who contact us may be experiencing a psychological condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This causes anxiety about body image and a preoccupation with perceived flaws in their appearance.

Changing Faces doesn’t have the expertise to offer ongoing support with BDD but can have an initial conversation and point you in the direction of organisations that provide a service for people with this condition. It is also advised that you speak to your GP about accessing specific psychological support for this.

Does the condition, mark or scar have to be on my face?

We welcome contact from anyone who has a condition, mark or scar affecting their appearance, regardless of whether it is on your body or your face. What’s important is how you feel and how it affects your daily life.

Do I have to come to one of your centres?

Our wellbeing services are provided across the UK by telephone, email or Zoom. For those more local, face-to-face sessions may be possible in London and Sheffield.

Skin Camouflage is a face-to-face service and therefore you would need to access a centre.

I’m outside the UK. Can you help me?

Changing Faces services are only available in the UK. However, you are welcome to access our self-help pages, Online Community forum and other resources across this website.

Are your services confidential?

Our services are confidential. Your information will be kept confidentially within Changing Faces and will not be shared with any other organisation or individual outside the charity, unless we have received your consent, written or oral. Information about your interaction with Changing Faces will be kept within the organisation and will only be shared with people who need to be informed in relation to the work they do here.

An exception will be made in the rare circumstances where there is a safeguarding concern presenting a potentially serious risk of harm to yourself or another individual. Please see our safeguarding policy for more information.

Our Online Community service is viewable by members only if you set your posts to “private”.

If I am under 16 years, do my parents need to know I am accessing your services?

If you are under 16 years old, we will need to get in touch with your parent, carer or guardian before offering our wellbeing or Skin Camouflage services. However, you are welcome to view our self-help resources for young people.

What information will you record about me?

Changing Faces may record your details on our secure database. Any details you give us will be used to correspond with you and to enable us to provide you with our service. Subsequently, data will be used anonymously for statistical purposes only.

For more details, and our privacy policy.

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Support & Information Line

To explore our wellbeing services, please contact our friendly team by giving us a ring or filling in our contact form, which you can find here.

Services & support

Here, you can browse our full range of support and services and see if there is something that may help you manage your visible difference.