At Changing Faces, we’re passionate about raising awareness of what life is like with a visible difference to improve acceptance and reduce discrimination. Our campaigners’ programme is a key part of this, and this year, we had the joy of putting together a brand-new group of amazing volunteers to introduce to you.
We had the most applications we’ve ever had, so thank you to every single person who applied for the role of campaigner. All of you had powerful stories to tell, making the shortlisting process a very difficult one.
The group has 21 campaigners from all walks of life, each with unique experiences, talents and passions to share.
Here’s why they’re looking forward to being part of the programme:
Crystal, Joti and Oliver
Crystal:
“In 2016, I was a young actress diagnosed with a rare facial cancer that drastically altered my appearance. I have been cancer-free for nearly a decade and have spent the last seven years advocating for inclusivity of people with facial differences in the arts. I am excited to be a Changing Faces campaigner and continue my work creating a new era of media that is more inclusive and learning space for all.”
Joti:
“Hiding behind long sleeved clothing and camouflage make up when I was diagnosed with vitiligo aged 21 stripped me of my self-esteem and confidence. Coming from a South Asian background, I felt even more pressure to fit in.
“As a parent and teacher, today, I strive to empower young people to love themselves. Being a campaigner for Changing Faces means the world to me as I can now spread my message of standing strong in the skin you are in.”
Oliver:
“After a rather unfortunate incident in a London restaurant where I was asked to leave because I was “scaring the customers”, I have adopted the mantra “Be kind.” I am of the firm belief that when people know better, they do better. That’s why it’s important that I help educate people about my condition and visible differences in general.”
Ellie, Romeo and Maia
Ellie:
“I’m excited to be a Changing Faces campaigner and join others fighting the stigma and daily challenges those of us with a visible difference often face. Through becoming more connected to people with visible differences like mine, I have begun to accept my own scars more – and rather than fight the fact that they are there, I have learned to accept them as part of who I am.”
Romeo:
“I became a campaigner because I wanted to show people who look like me, who have a visible difference, to not be afraid to stand in the light. I want to be able to give people with a visible difference the confidence to show people who they are.”
Maia:
“I know first-hand how having a visible difference can impact confidence and self-worth. Joining Changing Faces is a chance to help others embrace who they are and challenge the stigmas around visible differences. Acne and scarring are so often seen as ‘dirty’ or flaws that need fixing. I want to change that and help to build a world where people learn to love who they see in the mirror.”
Katie, Dylan and Elj
Katie:
“As a child, I never saw anyone who looked like me, and if I did it was never in a positive light – it was lonely and still can be! That’s why I’m excited to be a campaigner, so I can raise awareness of what it’s like to live with a visible difference. I want to be the positive representation that I didn’t have when I was younger and for people (of all ages) to know that they’re not alone.”
Dylan:
“When I started school, people would point and stare, so I wore a hat to cover my face. My mum asked the hospital for advice about how to increase my confidence and they gave us a workbook from Changing Faces. It took time, but I eventually started to go out without my hat.
“Now, I celebrate who I am. I use my skills in photography and dance to showcase who I am and what I can do. I want to help others to feel confident in who they are.”
Elj:
“I believe that everyone, in some way, carries an insecurity – whether internal or external. I’m excited to be part of a community where we can all share our unique journeys, celebrate each other’s growth, and inspire one another to embrace and love ourselves fully.”
Katy, David and Joanne
Katy:
“I was so happy when I got chosen to be a campaigner for Changing Faces, as it’s a charity close to my heart. I am excited to use my voice to help raise awareness and reduce prejudice and discrimination for people, myself included, who are living with facial and body differences. I am really looking forward to networking with others and sharing my story with a wider audience.”
David:
“I’m campaigning with Changing Faces because I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of living with a visible difference. In more ways than one, Changing Faces has already helped me gain the confidence to live more fully and I’d love to help others to do the same.”
Joanne:
“I’m thrilled to become a Changing Faces campaigner. Their resources have helped me embrace my facial difference and decide against further cosmetic surgery. Despite past bullying and struggles with self-worth, I’ve earned a master’s degree and began a career as a Marketing Executive. I hope my experiences inspire others to love themselves and reach their full potential, no matter what challenges they’ve faced.”
Molly, Abi and Andy
Molly:
“Alopecia has been a part of me for over half my life now. I’m also a very active person and have always competed in sports. Managing my alopecia whilst training and racing has been challenging and, at times, I have let it stop me from doing the things I love. I’m looking forward to being a campaigner for Changing Faces so I can share my experiences and hopefully encourage others to continue moving their bodies confidently with their visible difference. Being active and continuing to embrace what my body can do, rather than what I look like, has helped me embrace my alopecia.”
Abi:
“When I was young, Changing Faces came to my primary school to help explain my facial differences to my teachers. Now, as a university student, I feel deeply indebted to them for making my childhood so much more bearable.
“I hope to do the same for other children by working alongside people with visible differences, spreading awareness about Changing Faces, and striving for better inclusivity.”
Andy:
“The profoundly difficult challenges faced by those with visible differences are all too often dismissed. It’s time for this to change and for us to receive the concessions and empathy we deserve. This was always something I would downplay but I’ve found it liberating to step forward and speak up for our community. I’m so excited for the opportunities ahead and I believe this role will allow me to live more authentically whilst more importantly helping in any way I can.”
Kate, Beth and Stacey
Kate:
“I’m excited about becoming a campaigner so that I can help educate others on the experiences of the visible difference community. I am hoping to start positive conversations within workspaces and local communities to ensure that people with visible differences are acknowledged. I’m looking forward to giving back to a community that I am proud to be part of!”
Beth:
“I applied to be a Changing Faces Campaigner because I would love to live in a world where visible difference is normalised through better representation in TV, film and the media. As an actor, I care deeply about how facial difference is portrayed so I aspire to be one of the voices advocating for this change.”
Stacey:
“I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, and I have a little boy who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Ever since I had him, I have been passionate about raising awareness of clefts. By educating people about visible differences, hopefully the world will become more accepting.
“I am really looking forward to being involved in the campaigns and doing what I can to help change representation and perceptions.”
Katie, Jack and Nirjeet
Katie:
“I wanted to become a Changing Faces campaigner because I believe representation has the power to show others they can thrive and feel seen. Growing up, I needed to see people like me portrayed in a positive light, not as something to fix or hide. I know first-hand that representation helps others feel comfortable, beautiful, and like they belong.”
Jack:
“Living with burns all my life has given me an understanding of resilience, but it has also exposed me to the daily challenges of being seen differently. Every scar tells a story of survival and the need for true acceptance. I wanted to be a campaigner for Changing Faces because I know how important it is to be accepted for who you truly are. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire change in perceptions and help build a society where everyone is treated with respect, regardless of how they look.”
Nirjeet:
“Changing Faces is very close to my heart and I am committed to becoming a campaigner focused on raising more awareness of visible differences. I look forward to participating in projects that foster acceptance and inclusivity. Additionally, I am eager to receive formal media training to enhance my ability to communicate effectively on this important topic.”