Living with a visible difference can sometimes feel isolating. Other people may stare, ask questions or make comments, and it isn’t always easy to find someone who understands and can relate to your experiences.
Our groups bring together people with shared experiences in a safe, friendly and welcoming space. There is no pressure to talk. You can share as much or as little as you like, or simply listen. Many people find that hearing from others who “get it” helps them feel more confident, less alone and better able to handle the challenges that come with having a visible difference. Each group is free to join, run online and hosted by Changing Faces volunteers or staff.
About our groups
- All of our groups take place online on Zoom, so you can join from home wherever you are in the UK. Because the sessions are group discussions, you’ll need to have your camera and microphone switched on. We understand you might feel anxious about appearing on camera, please be assured you will be in the company of people who understand. We’d encourage you to give it a try. Groups are kept small, so it’s a safe space to do so.. Please read these guidelines for more details of how the sessions will run.
The response was just what I needed! Those on the call were so happy for me and so supportive too. I had overcome a major fear but it made me realise that I was the one who had hidden myself away from society and others and my own mind was the thing that was stopping me from realising it!
- Each group is hosted by Changing Faces staff or volunteers, but the conversation and topics are shaped by group members themselves.
- For safeguarding reasons, groups are open only to adults aged 18 and over who live in the UK. Our current groups are Parent Chat, Confidence Corner, Men’s Group, LGBTQIA+ Group, Rosacea Confidence Group, 18-25s Connect, and more will be coming soon.
- Simply sign up using the links below and we will email you dates as they become available.
How could your groups help me?
Joining one of our groups can make a real difference. Here are some of the ways our groups could help you:
- Feel less alone. Meeting others with similar experiences can ease feelings of isolation and show you that you’re not the only one facing these challenges.
- Build confidence. Sharing stories and hearing how others manage everyday situations can help you feel more self-assured, at your own pace.
- Learn practical tips. Members swap ideas for handling staring, questions and comments, and for managing situations like starting a new job, dating or going to school.
- Be heard and understood. Talking with people who truly “get it” can be a relief, especially if friends or family find it hard to understand.
- Make connections. Many people form lasting friendships and find a sense of belonging that continues beyond the group.
Sign up to one of our groups
18-25s Connect
Living with a visible difference can sometimes feel isolating, especially when it seems like nobody around you quite understands your experiences. 18-25s Connect is a relaxed, friendly space to meet other young adults living with a visible difference, chat about life and get to know each other. Whether it’s friendships, dating, work, uni, confidence, dealing with other people’s reactions or just everyday life, the conversation is up to you.
You don’t need to prepare anything or share your story, and you don’t have to speak until you feel comfortable. Come along, listen, join in when you want to and see how it feels.
No pressure to share. No need to explain yourself. Just a chance to connect. Open to young adults aged 18-25 living in the UK.
Confidence Corner
Confidence Corner is a welcoming space for adults living with a visible difference to connect, share experiences and support one another. Whether you’re navigating difficult social situations, dealing with other people’s reactions or looking for ways to feel more comfortable and confident, this is a place to talk openly and learn from others. There’s no pressure to speak, and group members help decide what they’d like to explore together.
LGBTQIA+ Group
Our LGBTQIA+ Group is a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ adults living with a visible difference. Connect with others who may understand the experiences of navigating appearance, identity, relationships and belonging. Whether you’d like to share your story, explore common challenges, celebrate experiences or simply listen, this is a supportive space to be yourself. Group members shape the conversations, and there’s no pressure to share more than feels comfortable.
Men’s Group
Our Men’s Group is a friendly, relaxed space for men aged 18 and over living with a visible difference. It’s a chance to connect with other men who understand some of the experiences of living with a scar, mark or condition that affects how you look. Whether you want to talk about confidence, relationships or everyday challenges or simply meet others, you’re welcome. There’s no pressure to share, and the group shapes the conversations together.
Meet the hosts:
Parent Chat
Our Parent Chat group is a friendly, supportive space for parents and carers of children and young people with a visible difference. Connect with others who understand some of the challenges and joys of supporting a child with a scar, mark or condition that affects how they look. Whether you’d like to share experiences, exchange ideas, ask questions or simply listen, you’ll be very welcome. The conversation is shaped by the group, and there’s no pressure to share until you feel ready.
Rosacea Confidence Group
Rosacea can affect more than just your skin. From managing flare-ups and unwanted comments to feeling self-conscious in social situations, sometimes it helps to talk to people who understand. Our Rosacea Confidence Group is a friendly, relaxed space to meet others living with rosacea, share experiences and talk about confidence, wellbeing and everyday life. Whether you’d like to chat, swap ideas or just listen, you’re very welcome. There’s no pressure to speak, and group members decide together what they’d like to discuss.