Support for teenagers and young people

Cleft++ Mentoring uses a specialist online platform to safely connect 10-17-year-olds born with a cleft to a trained mentor. These mentors are young adults born with a cleft and they will draw on their experiences to offer personalised support.

CLAPA Companions is a pen pal scheme connecting young people in the UK, born with a cleft aged 6-15 through letters, emails, videos and audio messages.

Camp CLAPA Activity Weekends are a chance for 8-12-year-olds born with a cleft to meet and spend time with others like them in a safe and supportive space.

Cleft Youth is an annual printed magazine for young people born with a cleft, packed with stories, activities, information about cleft and more. The magazine is aimed at under 12s but is suitable for all ages.

CLAPA’s Children and Young People’s Council are a group of 12-17 year olds who were born with a cleft from all around the UK.

Changing Faces have brilliant resources on their website, from dealing with negativity and self-confidence to moving schools. You can find more information here:

FaceIT is an interactive online self-help tool for young people aged 12-17 and is freely available for young people to use at home with supervision from a parent/guardian. It has been designed by researchers at the Centre for Appearance Research together with young people to help you manage the challenges associated with having a condition or injury that affects appearance.

Download a list of other organisations, services and resources which can help to support your mental health and wellbeing, including communities and confidential text and chat services.