Bank holiday weekend

The CLAPA Team is taking a break over the bank holiday weekend. We'll be back on Tuesday 7th April.

A mother and a baby are cuddling. The baby has an unrepaired cleft lip and is smiling

Cleft Awareness Week - 16th-24th May 2026

Every year, our community comes together to help us celebrate and raise awareness of cleft lip and palate in the UK. Whether you're planning a fundraiser or want to share your cleft story and inspire others - we'd love your support.

Get involved

What is Cleft Awareness Week?

Cleft Awareness Week is an annual campaign led by CLAPA to raise awareness of cleft lip and palate, challenge stereotypes, bust myths and celebrate the strength of the UK cleft community.

Each year, we bring together individuals, families, healthcare professionals and supporters to share stories, increase understanding, raise money and highlight the realities of living with a cleft.

It’s a chance to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects around 1 in 700 babies born in the UK, while amplifying the voices of those with lived experience and driving positive change in awareness, care and support.

How can I get involved

Whether you’ve got five minutes or want to go all in, your support helps raise awareness of cleft and make a real difference.

Wear it Blue

Get your classmates, colleagues, friends or family involved in a blue-themed ‘dress down’ or ‘dress up’ day. Ask for a donation to CLAPA to take part and raise awareness of cleft at the same time.

Cuppa for CLAPA

Host a bake sale or coffee morning with friends or at work for a fun and meaningful way to support children, young people and adults born with a cleft in the UK

Tell us your plans!

Whatever you’d like to do to raise awareness of cleft in the community and support CLAPA – we are here to support you every step of the way.

Order awareness materials

Order free awareness resources for events, schools, workplaces and healthcare settings. From posters, leaflets, balloons and stickers to little conversation starters, these materials make it easy to spread understanding wherever you are.

Sign up for updates

Get updates on our plans for awareness week, news from CLAPA and community stories straight to your inbox.

Share your story and selfies!

Every story has the power to make someone feel less alone. By sharing your experience of cleft for Awareness Week, you can help raise awareness, challenge misconceptions and support others on a similar journey.