http://www.changingfaces.org.uk/

Changing Faces, The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield (2026)

02/09/2026

This week is a big milestone for so many families, and especially for Lola, who started school for the very first time today. 💛

Her mum, Lucy, shares:

"Like so many parents, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves taking her to school for her first day. But Lola was so excited to start, and walked in with a confidence that made me so proud. She didn't look back once!

"From an early age, we've tried to give Lola the confidence to know that her birthmark is just one part of who she is.

"We've had our challenges this year, and one of the hardest parts of parenting a child with a visible difference is helping them understand the difference between curiosity and judgement. It's difficult enough for an adult, never mind a four-year-old!

"Through the conversations we have and the example we set at home, I hope she'll continue to learn what feels kind, what feels respectful, and when something crosses a boundary.

"There might be a few challenges ahead as Lola starts this new chapter, but the confidence and resilience we have built from an early age will help her remember that she belongs, exactly as she is."

We're wishing every child starting school this week the very best of luck as they begin this new chapter. ❤️

Starting school can bring lots of excitement, but it can also bring new questions and worries for parents of children with a visible difference.

If you're supporting a child through this new chapter, join our Building your child's confidence and self-esteem when they have a visible difference webinar. You'll hear from Lucy, who'll be sharing her family's experience, alongside practical confidence-building tips and techniques from the Changing Faces team.

📅 Wednesday 14 October, online
🕖 7:00pm–8:00pm
Sign up: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/82zP6J

01/09/2026

"As a mum, I was incredibly anxious when Oscar started school. I thought he might be picked on for looking different. Thankfully, the school has been very supportive and inclusive from the start.

“Thanks to the support and awareness work his teachers have created in the classroom, Oscar hasn’t had many issues making friends. Most have embraced his differences with curiosity and care.” – Kaitlyn, Oscar’s mum.

Many children feel worried about their first day at school. For children with visible differences, and their parents, these worries can feel even bigger. But a little preparation and reassurance can go a long way.

Three things that every parent should know:

🍎 1. Everyone feels nervous.
Starting a new school is a big change for every child. Reminding your child that they're not the only one feeling anxious can help them feel less alone.

💬 2. Your child can choose what feels comfortable to share
If they're worried about questions about their appearance, practise a simple response together. They decide how much or how little they want to share.

🌈 3. Feeling prepared helps build confidence.
Talking through the school day, checking what they need to take, or choosing clothes they feel comfortable in can help children feel more ready for day one.
Every child deserves to start school feeling like they belong.

For more practical advice on starting school with a visible difference, head to our Back to School advice and guidance: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/vGBvNs

26/08/2026

"Kinda Chic
Kinda Different
Still beautiful

"This little girl spent years wishing she looked different
She had no idea she’d grow into herself
Now I’m raising a little boy who looks like me

"I want him to grow up seeing faces like ours everywhere
Representation isn’t about being seen
It’s about helping someone believe they belong

"This trend made me think…
For years, I thought confidence meant hiding my scar
Now I know confidence came from accepting it
And representation means my son might never feel the way I did
Sometimes the most beautiful thing about us is the part we were taught to hide."

Beautiful words from campaigner Stacey, who shares the same visible difference - a cleft - as her son, inspired by the "Kinda Chic" trend circulating social media.

Next week, Dylan starts school. Like so many parents at this time of year, Stacey is feeling a mixture of pride, excitement, and nerves. But she's also proud of the confidence she's helped Dylan build to embrace his visible difference from the very beginning.

Starting school is a big milestone, and we know it can bring lots of questions for parents of children with a visible difference.

Our free parent webinars are a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions and hear practical advice from parents who've been there. The next one is on Wednesday 14 October at 7pm 🦋

Learn more here: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/82zP6J

24/08/2026

"Confidence isn’t about never feeling affected. It’s about finding ways to keep going despite those moments."

Living with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has shaped many parts of Phil's life, from navigating public reactions to facing discrimination at work. The support of his family and community has helped him remember that he is far more than his appearance.

"I was born with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along nerves. I've never known life any differently."

Growing up in Liverpool, Phil experienced name-calling because of his visible difference. But he also remembers the children who stood up for him.

"Those moments stayed with me because they reminded me that kindness can outweigh cruelty."

As an adult, living with NF1 has also affected Phil's working life:

"When I worked in a large museum, around 5,000 people visited every day. There were lots of school groups, and although children are naturally curious, constantly feeling looked at became exhausting. Eventually, I asked to move to a quieter gallery because it was affecting my mental wellbeing.

Phil has also experienced discrimination at work. 30 years ago, after being offered a bar job over the phone, he arrived to start his shift and was told the job had suddenly "gone."

"You can’t prove why someone changes their mind, but after experiences like that, you begin to recognise a pattern."

More recently, surgery has brought a new challenge. Adapting to another change in his appearance has affected his confidence:

"There are days when I don’t want to leave the house, and a time I didn't like having mirrors inside.

"My daughter and my partner have been one of the biggest reasons I’ve been able to step out the front door.

"Their support means more than they’ll ever know.

"I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about never feeling affected. It’s about finding ways to keep going despite those moments."

Our new peer support service is coming soon.

A supportive space to connect with others, explore the emotional impact of living with a visible difference, and build confidence together.
Learn more: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/25a3o5

20/08/2026

"Today, my psoriasis feels less like something I have to fight against and more like a part of my identity." - Hannah💜

It's , and we're celebrating the everyday acts of courage that often go unseen.

Hannah shares:

"For me, skin confidence hasn't come from a dramatic transformation. It's been built through lots of tiny acts of bravery: wearing short sleeves to work, taking my children swimming, letting people see my skin, choosing not to hide, and slowly reclaiming the agency that psoriasis took from me.

"I don't know if I'm at the finish line yet, but I'm finally walking towards it with confidence instead of away from it. I hope by showing up authentically I can help empower others to be brave and feel seen too."

If you're living with psoriasis, another skin condition, or any visible difference, you deserve to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin, whatever that looks like for you.

And if confidence feels difficult right now, remember: we're here to help. From our Support and Information Line to advice and guidance, webinars and peer support groups, we're here to help you feel less alone and more confident in everyday life.

💻To find out more, access our support line: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/2TAbCc

18/08/2026

How did Phil get on covering for us? 👀

Jeanette, Phil and their wonderful community of supporters raised over £1,100 for Changing Faces over the weekend! 🦋

Every pound raised helps us support people living with a visible difference, from providing practical and emotional support, to connecting people through our community and campaigning for a world where lives aren’t limited by appearance.

Fancy following in Phil’s footsteps? Whether you’re taking on a challenge, hosting an event or doing something completely your own way, every fundraiser helps us make a difference.

👉 https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/wWlvfD

12/08/2026

We know that living with a visible difference isn’t always easy.

That’s why we’re here to build community, challenge appearance-based stigma and change the way the world sees visible difference.💜

Whether you’re living with a scar, mark, condition or other visible difference, you’re not alone. Our support line can be reached through the number below, or through our webform: https://social.changingfaces.org.uk/2TAbCc

☎️ 0300 012 0275

06/08/2026

"It’s time to put vitiligo on the map. Visibility matters and I hope that by seeing someone with a visible skin condition on a mainstream dating show, more people will feel represented, understood and confident to embrace who they are.

"At the same time, I want people to see that vitiligo is just one part of me. I'm there for new experiences, to have fun and be myself." - Yasmin

We're so excited to see Yasmin on our screens in the upcoming series of Love is Blind, on Netflix this August. Representation matters, and it's fantastic to see someone with a visible difference featured on one of the UK's biggest dating shows. We can't wait to cheer Yasmeen on. 🫶🦋

05/08/2026

🥳 Find confidence and community with Changing Faces. Starting with our next webinar: Finding Your Confidence: Exploring Identity and Acceptance.

Living with a visible difference can affect how we see ourselves, our confidence and our sense of identity. If these feelings resonate with you, you’re not alone.

Join us on Tuesday 8 September, 6:30pm–7:30pm for our free online webinar.

Together, we’ll hear powerful lived experience stories from people with visible differences, alongside support and advice from the Changing Faces team. We’ll explore identity, self-acceptance and confidence, helping you discover practical ideas and inspiration for your own journey.

Whether you’re newly adjusting to a visible difference or have lived with one for many years, we hope you’ll leave feeling more connected, understood and empowered.

📅 Tuesday 8 September
🕡 6:30pm–7:30pm
🎟️ Register here: https://changingfaces.tfaforms.net/317

03/08/2026

We're hiring: Support Line Lead 📢

Every day, our Support Line provides practical information, emotional support and a listening ear to people with a visible difference, their loved ones and professionals.

We're looking for a compassionate, organised and proactive Support Line Lead to take this vital service forward.

You'll:

➡️ Lead the day-to-day delivery of our Support Line across phone, email, text and webform
➡️ Drive the next phase of an exciting service transformation, helping us reach more people in more flexible and accessible ways
➡️ Recruit, support and develop a community of volunteers
➡️ Work alongside healthcare professionals and colleagues to ensure people receive the support they need
➡️Help shape our wider support and influencing work, keeping the voices of people with a visible difference at its heart.

We're looking for someone with experience delivering support through a helpline or similar service, who is calm under pressure, highly organised and committed to person-centred, trauma-informed support. Experience of safeguarding, service development and working with volunteers would be an advantage.

This role is remote with some travel required occasionally.

Learn more, including salary and benefits, here: https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/about-changing-faces/jobs/

Changing Faces

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