Around 70,000 adults in the UK alone were born with a cleft. In this section, you’ll find support and resources from CLAPA, the NHS, and other organisations, as well as information to help you get back into cleft treatment.
There were so many people with cleft at the [CLAPA adults'] conference, it was brilliant. The talks were fascinating, there were great activities where I felt my opinion mattered, and I met so many people and made new friends. We’re still in touch now, and still meet up.Kazzi's Story
Events for adults
Navigating the System: A Virtual Workshop on Confidence, Communication & Being Heard in Cleft Care (Adults)
This event is for adults born with a cleft lip and/or palate in the United Kingdom.
Stories from adults
Rich’s story
Firefighter Rich recently shared his story of growing up with a cleft in CLAPA’s latest Cleft Youth Magazine.
Maddie’s story
Maddie tells her story of dealing with bullies and learning to love her authentic self.
Carol and Anton’s story
CLAPA’s celebrity patron Carol Vorderman, and her brother Anton, discuss the lack of support for families affected by cleft before CLAPA, and the importance of raising awareness.
Opportunities to get involved
Research Opportunity: School outcomes for children born with a cleft
Researchers at Newcastle University are looking to speak to people with lived experience of cleft palate (born with or without cleft lip) to explore why children born with a cleft have poorer school outcomes than other children of the same age.
Research Opportunity: Cleft Genetics Survey
Doctors and scientists based at Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London and the Wellcome Sanger Institute near Cambridge are planning research into new genetic causes of cleft.
Research Opportunity: Surgical Decision Making
Researchers at the University of Oxford are looking who have been involved in clinical discussions about head and/or face surgery on children for aesthetic reasons, either as the child, the parent/carer or the health care professional.