Learn about Changing Faces’ services and support available for people with appearance-altering scars, marks or conditions.
Changing Faces is the UK’s leading charity for everyone with a scar, mark or condition on their face or body. We offer a range of services and support which help people dealing with issues and concerns relating to their appearance due to a condition or injury.
On this page we provide more information about the services and support we can offer you.
We provide support to people with a range of scars, marks and conditions, such as:
Although we don’t provide treatment, we can support people who are struggling with the emotional impact of their appearance and the mental health challenges that they may experience because of their visible difference.
It can be hard to take that first step and ask for help. All of our services are confidential and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. Our services have been described as “life-changing” by people who have used them, with one client saying they now feel “confidence that I have not felt in years” and another saying they “do not know how we would have got through the tough times without [Changing Faces’] help and support”.
My counsellor listened to me with empathy and understanding. I felt able to talk about anything with her. I now feel so much more confident and stronger. This has been a life-changing experience and I feel so grateful to have received your support. Thank you.
Our trained practitioners offer confidential, one-to-one social, emotional and psychological support sessions tailored to your specific needs. Your practitioner will listen and learn about your situation and help you explore and understand the mental health and practical challenges you may be facing.
If you are struggling with the emotional and mental health impacts of a visible difference or disfigurement, our confidential Support and Information Line is here to help. Our support calls give you time to talk through feelings about your visible difference and the impact it has on your life. We can also talk about your needs and guide you towards other services that may be beneficial for you.
Skin camouflage is where specialist creams and powders are applied over scars, marks or non-infectious skin conditions, to reduce their appearance. Our Skin Camouflage Service is led by trained practitioners, and can give you a choice over your appearance and a sense of control over how you want to look day to day. This can help to build confidence and self-esteem so that you can feel empowered to lead the life you want.
Our online community is a chat forum where you can connect with others, view their posts and ask questions of others living with a visible difference. You can give and receive support through sharing your experiences.
Peer Group Chat is our online support group for adults (18 years or over) in the UK who are affected by a visible difference or disfigurement. We also offer a peer group chat for parents of children (17 or under) with a visible difference. They are held securely by video call or in our chatroom.
You can read more about all of our services in our services and support section, or register your interest in a service via the form below.
If you would like more information about the services and support we offer, feel free to call our Support and Information Line on 0300 012 0275. The line is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Our services are available to people within the UK.
You can also register your interest in our services using the form below.
As well as our support services, our website contains information about types of visible differences and plenty of self-help advice to help you manage life with a visible difference or disfigurement.
Guidance on many aspects of social, professional and family life that can be affected by a visible difference. Topics include coping with others’ reactions, managing feelings of loss of identity, building confidence, and mental health and wellbeing.
This page provides an introduction to what we mean by visible difference and disfigurement, outlining the basic categories.
The pages in this section provide detailed information about particular types of conditions, including burns and scars. As well as listing factual information about the condition and ways it can be treated, each page outlines how our services and support may be of benefit.
Be inspired by real stories from people affected by visible difference, parents and families, plus Changing Faces staff and volunteers.