The UK has a very long history of supporting people with facial disfigurements and being a leader in innovation for treatments. From the surgeons working in England during WWI who pioneered the first real plastic surgery techniques, to the Guinea Pig Club in WWII that innovated many of the modern techniques for treating burns, to the National Health Service being one of the largest single funders of research into new and novel techniques.
Even with this remarkable set of accolades, the UK still has a long way to go in providing adequate support for people with facial disfigurements. It is a very often overlooked issue that does not have the “cuteness factor” or rarity that can bring large numbers of people together to support a cause. Facial disfigurement is very common, with more than half a million people living with significant facial disfigurements every day in the UK. It works out to about one in every 111 people having a facial disfigurement, from acne to facial burns. Even so, most people do not think about how difficult it is to live with facial disfigurement. Bullying and harassment being dealt with more effectively in areas such as racism and sexism but discrimination based on facial appearance is rife and very often unchallenged.
Talk to your doctor
There is a lot of support available from the NHS. The easiest way to access the support is through your local GP. They have the expertise and connections to put you in contact with local and national charities, agencies, and individuals who might be able to help.
You might be surprised at the amount of help available from the NHS. There is a great deal of surgery and therapy available, including mental health assistance for dealing with the often difficult feelings from having facial disfigurement.
Alternatively, there is private health care. Insurance from agencies like Bupa give you access to very extensive resources. Often it is better to go private for mental health issues as the NHS is underfunded and overwhelmed, especially for mental health. In some cases, cosmetic surgery for facial deformity is not available on the NHS and might have to be paid for out of pocket. It is not ideal, but it is a reality for many people.
The NHS website has a lot of information and resources on what is available, not just from the NHS but around the UK.
Look locally
The internet has made finding support locally much easier. Facebook groups can quickly put you in contact with support groups, experts, and people with similar conditions who can provide valuable experience and insight. Again, talking to your GP about what is available could be helpful.
Charities
Although there is clear room for improvement, the UK has been one of the leading forces in both treatment for facial disfigurement and raising awareness. From the early advances during World War One treating horrifically injured soldiers, to the first plastic surgeons and reconstructive surgery being available, the UK has paved the way for facial disfigurement representation and treatment.
Perhaps the biggest factor is the charitable sector in the UK. Groundbreaking work by philanthropists, scientists, and everyday people have brought the issue of facial disfigurement into the public sphere and kept it there. Tireless campaigns to bringing more effective legislation and provision have resulted in the NHS being one of the best places to receive treatment for facial disfigurements. However, the work is far from over and the UK continues to lead the world for advances in the treatment and acceptance of facial disfigurement. Here are a few of the best known charities for people seeking information and advice regarding facial disfigurement.
Finding information about facial disfigurements in the UK has never been easier. Hopefully, the list below provides some help in finding support, friendship, and more information on facial disfigurement.
Changing Faces is the UK’s leading charity for people with a visible difference or disfigurement. This can include a scar, mark or condition affecting the face or body, whether caused by injury, illness, a medical condition, surgery or another reason.
The charity provides practical and emotional support for people who are struggling with the impact of a visible difference. Its services include a support and information line, counselling, wellbeing support, skin camouflage services, online resources and an online community where people can connect with others who understand their experiences.
Changing Faces also works to improve public understanding of visible difference and to reduce prejudice, staring, bullying and discrimination. This is important because people with a visible difference can face unwanted attention, hurtful comments and unfair treatment in everyday life, at school, at work and in social situations.
The charity’s website includes advice for adults, children, young people, parents and families. It also provides guidance for professionals, including employers, teachers and healthcare workers, to help them respond to visible difference in a respectful and supportive way.
Changing Faces has also campaigned against the use of scars, burns, marks and other visible differences as shorthand for villainy in films and television. Its “I Am Not Your Villain” campaign has helped raise awareness of how these stereotypes can affect real people with visible differences.
For anyone looking for information, support or guidance about living with a visible difference, Changing Faces is a useful place to start.
The UK registered medical charity Facing the World are a leading force in providing sustainable solutions for children in developing countries with severe facial and craniofacial issues. They do not provide their services in the UK, but they campaign around the world and provide vital services for vulnerable children. You can donate or offer your time and make a huge difference to the lives of children in the developing world with Facing the World.
Facial palsy UK is a leading UK charity that provides information and support for people suffering from facial palsy. The website has a lot of resources that you can use to find further charities and links.
This charity supports families of disabled children regardless of disability. They support many children with facial disfigurement.
The Moebius Research Trust has been raising awareness of Moebius Syndrome for a long time and has secured vital research into the rare condition. Moebius syndrome causes facial paralysis and can stop children from smiling.
National Network of Parent Carer Forums
An absolutely vital service for parents of children with disabilities, including facial disfigurement. The National Network of Parent Carer Forums provides support and information for anyone who is caring for a child with complex needs. They link together people who are often isolated and dealing with rare and hard to treat conditions.
Do exactly that: provide support for families of children born with birthmarks.