Real stories

Despite bullying and negative comments about her acne at school, 18-year-old Olivia has found acceptance of her visible difference.

After sustaining scars to his face and body, Joe started to shut himself away to avoid stares and judgement. With help from Changing Faces’ skin camouflage team, he soon felt his confidence grow.

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

Abigail struggled to talk openly about her scars. Starting an Instagram account to document her journey helped her grow in confidence.

Gabby, aged 17, talks about her journey with rosacea and the importance of mental health support for young people with visible differences.

After struggling with self-confidence at school, Abbie is now embracing her scars and sharing her story to help others feel less alone.

Acne has been a big part of Isabella’s life, but she now uses her experiences on social media to celebrate difference and to promote acceptance.

Georgia has two sons, Theo and Jude, who were both born with clefts. She wants to educate people to be more accepting of difference.

Nina talks about how she's raising daughter Millie – who has a lymphatic malformation – to be strong and confident in her own skin.

Ela, 11, was born with a bilateral cleft lip and cleft of the soft palate. Ella and her parents share her journey of acceptance and how Changing Faces has helped.

Julie shares resources for anyone with a visible difference during the pandemic, and support for young people returning to school.

Marie-Joelle’s son Benjamin was born with Goldenhar syndrome. She shares advice for other parents of kids with visible differences.