The challenge of selfie culture when you have a visible difference
Campaigner Ellie talks about the difficulties that come from selfie culture when you have a visible difference, from feeling you need to hide your true self to being censored.
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
Gemma’s story: “I don’t let my ptosis hold me back”
Gemma has ptosis due to Noonan syndrome. She’s battled with her self-esteem, but this hasn't stopped her from pursuing a career teaching others to use their voice confidently.
Isla’s Journey With FOP and the Fight for True Inclusion in Schools
Nicky shares the challenges and triumphs of her daughter Isla’s school experience, highlighting the urgent need for true inclusion, awareness, and understanding of disability in schools.
Teaching secondary school students about visible differences
Joti has been a teacher for over 20 years. She talks about how teaching secondary school students about visible differences is vital to improving acceptance.
How primary schools can support children with visible differences
Kate is a primary school teacher who also has a visible difference. She provides her tips on how primary schools can support children with visible differences.
Jo’s story: “Living with a vascular anomaly hasn’t been easy”
Jo grew up with a birthmark on her lip. At the age of 18, she developed a vascular anomaly on her cheek. It’s been challenging to accept her differences, but she hopes that sharing her story will make others feel less alone.
“Rewriting My Reflection: Living Authentically with a Port Wine Stain Birthmark” – Amanda’s story.
Amanda shares her powerful journey of growing up with a port wine stain birthmark, facing stigma, and finding self-worth and confidence.
Beth’s story: “If I’d been told more about my facial palsy, I’d have felt less alien”
After developing facial palsy as a child, Beth found herself isolated from her peers. She wishes she’d had better support and now hopes to raise awareness to spread understanding.
Summer with Eczema: managing flare-ups and building confidence in hot weather
When it comes to summer with eczema , there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Managing eczema and other skin conditions present unique challenges, and while some people find relief in warmth and sunshine, others, like Harriet, experience increased eczema flare-ups during summer months.
Learn to love yourself through dance
Dylan has always enjoyed dancing and the freedom it gives him to express himself. Here he talks about how you can learn to love yourself through dance.
Being a parent with a visible difference: Becky’s advice
Being a parent with a visible difference can be challenging, but talking to your child about difference is an important part of building acceptance and understanding. Becky gives her top tips.
Cerys’ story: “Being neurodivergent with a physical difference can be tricky”
Cerys has a lymphatic malformation on her back and has autism. Being neurodivergent with a physical difference means she can feel judged in multiple ways, but her differences make Cerys who she is.