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

Wellbeing Practitioner Julie wearing a Halloween headband with bats on it

Julie on having a happy Halloween

25 October 2021

Wellbeing practitioner Julie explains why we’re asking people to dress up as a character not a condition.

Heather Blake, a woman with shoulder length brown hair, wearing a red blouse, standing in front of a bookcase, filled with books and ceramics.

Heather on developing our plan for the future

15 October 2021

People affected by visible differences are at the heart of everything Changing Faces does. We want to hear from you to inform our plans for the future.

Emma, who has a facial visible difference, with wavy shoulder-length hair, wearing a beige long-sleeved top, looking at the camera

Emma on the importance of challenging the film industry

30 September 2021

Volunteer campaigner Emma discusses handling questions and comments on why representation in film matters.

A woman with Crouzon syndrome wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Mikaela on popular culture assuming that appearance equals character

28 September 2021

Changing Faces campaigner Mikaela explains her thoughts about the use of disfigurements, scars, marks and conditions in movies as the new Bond film premieres.

Laura, a woman with alopecia. She has green eyes and is wearing a red fleece with a grey lining and looking at the camera. There's a field behind her.

Laura’s story: “I am finally becoming the role model I needed”

15 September 2021

Sharing her story online put Laura on a path towards embracing her hair loss. Now she's helping others to celebrate what makes each of us different.

Amanda, a woman in her 40s, who has a cleft lip and palate. She has light brown hair and is wearing a black floral blouse, a black robe with a red lining, and a black hat. She is smiling at the camera.

Amanda’s story: “I wish I’d had a safe space at school”

8 September 2021

Amanda felt ostracized by her friends when she transitioned to secondary school. Now she's encouraging others to speak out about bullying and get support.

Abbie, an 18-year-old woman, who has facial scars. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a white halter top and pink skirt. She's sitting outdoors in a patio chair in a garden.

Abbie’s story: “Confident in my own skin”

18 August 2021

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

Kevin, a man, 30s, with short dark brown hair, stubble and glasses. The right side of his face droops due to loss of muscle control. He's wearing a purple shirt.

Kevin’s story: “We’re all human”

11 August 2021

Kevin lost muscle control on the right side of his face after an operation as a child. He recently wrote a memoir about his life experiences.

Head shot of Leanne, who is wearing a blue shirt and has long blonde hair and a fringe

Leanne explains how we’re reopening our Skin Camouflage Service

21 July 2021

After 13 months’ temporary closure, our Head of Skin Camouflage Service, Leanne, explains how we’re getting our clinics safely reopened.

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’s story: “Comments from people are a reflection of them, not me”

7 July 2021

Sophie talks about how she learned to accept her scars and deal with people's reactions.

Christine, a woman with burns, 40s, she has black hair and is standing in front of some branches and leaves.

Christine’s story: “Dealing with my scars”

30 June 2021

Christine, who sustained burns at the age of 3, tells us how pursuing her dream to be a performer started her on a journey towards self-acceptance.

Shankar, who has vitiligo, wearing a white top and denim jacket. He is looking at the camera with a big smile. In the background are shelves with produce and a till.

Shankar’s story: “It takes time to embrace who you are”

25 June 2021

Our ambassador Shankar explains why he celebrates World Vitiligo Day, and how to find the right support for you.