Smile Train UK

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Smile Train UK

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft charity. Visit smiletrain.org.uk for more information.

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft charity, empowering local medical professionals to provide free cleft treatment in their own communities. 2 million surgeries in 90+ countries Since 1999, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for 1.5+ million children in 90+ countries and will continue to do so until every person in need with a cleft has access to the care they deserve. Smile Train's sustainable model empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.

05/10/2026

Teachers play a vital role in building confidence and championing inclusion. 📚

This World Teachers’ Day, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Ferdinand and his teacher, Ravaoarisoa, in Madagascar.

When Ferdinand experienced bullying because of his cleft, Ravaoarisoa immediately stepped in to teach her class about inclusion. By creating a supportive environment, she helped Ferdinand thrive in the classroom and make friends.

"My students are like my own children," she said. "Each one deserves to feel welcome. No one should be left out. As I tell them, we are all from the same place, like branches from the same tree. Now, when I see Ferdinand’s smile every day, I can tell he and his classmates believe that, too."

01/10/2026

Tomorrow is World Smile Day!

After the incredible success of our first “What Makes You Smile?” campaign, we're excited to launch Year 2. Last year, thousands of people around the world shared the moments that bring them joy. This year, let's make it even bigger.

Get ready to join us — start thinking about what makes you smile. 💙

25/09/2026

World Smile Day is coming, and it’s time to get ready! ✨

On 2 October, we’re coming together to celebrate smiles and raise awareness for the global cleft community.

This year, we’re inviting health professionals to join our by sharing a photo or video answering a simple question: "What makes you smile?"

Healthcare workers are at the heart of everything we do. By sharing their stories, they help us bring greater visibility to cleft care worldwide.

Help us spread the word! Share our one-page guidance with health professionals at the link below and encourage them to post on 2 October, tag , and use our primary hashtag , along with .

🔗Learn more at: smiletrain.org/wsd

19/09/2026

Surgery is an important first step, but treatment doesn't end when a child leaves the operating room. The full cleft journey often takes years, from birth until adulthood, and our global network of local professionals stands alongside patients and their families every step of the way.

Dedicated specialists like Dr Telma Carnicer in Bolivia provide the continuous, compassionate care children need to recover smoothly, grow in confidence, and thrive. Smile Train is proud to support them through every stage of their journey!

18/09/2026

Around the world, 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Without treatment, a cleft can make basic daily activities like eating, speaking, and breathing a constant struggle, often leading to malnutrition and isolation.

The good news? Clefts are completely treatable! Through our unique local model, Smile Train has already supported more than 2 million free cleft surgeries. With your support, this can be only the beginning. ✨

Learn more and help us spread awareness: smiletrain.org.uk/what-are-clefts

14/09/2026

Every smile starts with someone who cares 💙

You don't need to be a healthcare worker to transform a child's life. From hosting an event to taking on a fundraising challenge, there are so many ways to support our work.

Every action helps local medical teams provide free, comprehensive cleft care to the children who need it most.

What will you do to create smiles? Get involved today!
🔗 Learn more: smiletrain.org.uk/get-involved

10/09/2026

Meet Dr Fernanda Bassan, a Cleft Nutrition Specialist in Brazil 🇧🇷

When parents arrive at her hospital asking whether their baby will be able to eat, Dr Fernanda is there to assure them that the answer is "Yes!".

Her work is a powerful reminder that nutritional support is not only lifesaving but also lays the foundation for future treatments, ensuring babies are healthy and strong enough for safe cleft surgery.

Dr Bassan believes that being part of a coordinated, comprehensive cleft care team is key to her success. By bringing together shared eyes, shared expertise, and a shared plan, your support for Smile Train allows teams of local experts like her to support families through every step of their journey.

09/09/2026

Cleft care is about so much more than a single surgery.

Depending on a patient's individual needs, true healing may include feeding guidance, speech therapy, dental and orthodontic treatment, hearing care, and emotional support, alongside surgery itself. Together, these services help people with clefts eat, speak, hear, smile, and thrive.

This care is most effective when coordinated through a multidisciplinary cleft team where each specialty strengthens the next, creating a continuum of care and support.

That's why Smile Train developed a model that empowers local medical teams to walk alongside children and families every step of the way.

07/09/2026

🚴 700 miles. One incredible challenge. Two important causes.

Former professional footballer and Bury FC legend Wayne Entwistle is taking on an extraordinary 700-mile cycling challenge along the Irish coast, raising funds for Smile Train and another charity close to his heart.

We’re so grateful to Wayne for choosing to support our work. Every mile will help raise awareness and vital funds, helping us continue to support children with clefts around the world with access to life-changing care.

Please join us in cheering Wayne on and supporting his incredible journey! 💙

Donate and follow his progress: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wayne-entwistle-1

02/09/2026

Is a cleft anyone’s fault?

In many parts of the world, mothers are unfairly blamed when their child is born with a cleft lip or palate. But science tells a very different story.
Clefts result from a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. In most cases, there is no single cause, and parents should never be blamed.

Replacing myths with facts is essential to removing stigma and ensuring families feel supported and encouraged to seek the life-changing care their child needs.

Address

York House, Wetherby Road
York
YO267NH

Telephone

+443001245205

Website

http://www.smiletrain.org.uk/

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