I joined Changing Faces as a campaigner in 2018 after being in close contact with the charity for a number of years. It’s a charity that has always been close to my heart because of the work they do supporting and raising awareness for those living with a visible difference.
I have the skin condition vitiligo that, like many other conditions, is strikingly visible. Back when I was growing up there weren’t many charities or groups dedicated to supporting those like myself. When I discovered Changing Faces whilst searching online, I honestly felt relieved that there was a supportive organisation out there for us.
Being a campaigner has allowed me to understand what it’s like to be misrepresented, the harsh realities of hate crime and why it’s important that people like myself speak out.
Being a campaigner at Changing Faces helps the charity to raise awareness about the impact a visible difference can have on a person’s life. As part of the campaigners’ team I’ve been involved with a range of activities, from sharing my personal story as a way of educating others, speaking in schools about the importance of treating everyone equally, though to taking part in one of Changing Faces’ biggest initiatives, Face Equality Day.
I joined two other campaigners on the Victoria Derbyshire TV show and gave numerous media interviews! Until becoming a campaigner, I don’t think I truly understood the extent to which people with visible differences are treated, especially in the media.
Being a campaigner has allowed me to understand in more detail what it’s like to be misrepresented, the harsh realities of hate crime and why it’s important that people like myself speak out in schools, workplaces and organisations where understanding visible differences is key.
Being a campaigner has presented me with so many great opportunities. It has allowed me to contribute towards changing the views of the media when it comes to representing those with a difference, as well as build my presentation and public speaking skills.
As a campaigner for Changing Faces, Natalie took part in a photo shoot for the Skin Camouflage Service
As a team, Changing Faces is great to work with. They are incredibly passionate about the work they do and are keen to get campaigners voices heard. As a charity, they are supportive, authentic and most importantly they put those with a visible difference front and centre of all their work.
So much goes on behind the scenes, from the reports Changing Faces commissions that reveal shocking stats around hate crime, social media trolling and what it’s like living with a visible difference on a day-to-day basis, to the training days when all the campaigners come together to discuss projects we’ve worked on, reflections and what’s next for the charity.
My time at Changing Faces has been incredible. Aside from learning as much as I have, they have provided me with so many opportunities to share my story which I’ll always be grateful for.