Celebrities Disfigured

This script offers information on organisations supporting people with facial disfigurements and related issues. Please note that free phone numbers may be charged for by some mobile phone services.

The causes and subsequent effects of a facial disfigurement are as varied as the people living with it. You can be born with a disfiguring condition or acquire it through an accident or violence. It could be the result of treatment for a disease or caused by a skin condition. There are a number of specialist groups and charities dealing with many of these causes and the following organisation can let you know about these when they advise you.

Changing Faces is a national charity that provides support, advice and information for children, young people and adults who have disfigurements. You can call on local rate number 0845 4500 275 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm) to be put in touch with a trained specialist. There is also a website with masses of information at www.changingfaces.org.uk

You can find out about port wine stains or any other birth mark at the Birth Mark Support Group. Leave a message at their phone number 01202 257703 and you'll be called back within 24 hours. You can also send a query by e-mail to info@birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk. There are also medical details and information on coping strategies for children and adults at the website www.birthmarksupportgroup.org.uk.

The Disfigurement Guidance Centre has been providing information and support for disfigured people, the parents of affected children and medical professionals for over 30 years. You can call 01337 870 281 (Mondays to Fridays 6.30am-4.30pm). As well as offering expert advice, the organisation produces a large range of publications including the Annual Skin Laser Directory and the Cosmetic Aid Handbook.

If you're a parent caring for a child with a medical condition, Contact a Family provides support, advice and information and can also put families in touch with each other. Contact the freephone Helpline on 0808 808 3555 or Textphone 0808 808 3556 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). The Contact a Family website features a directory of specific conditions and rare disorders. If you go to their website at www.cafamily.org.uk you can also use e-mail to contact the advisers.

There are no major charities supporting burn survivors, but there are two small groups. Burn Survivors UK have a website with information at www.devoted.to/burnsurvivorsuk . Please note their advertised Hotline number isn't currently being answered.

The Burn Survivors Association is an independent group supporting burn survivors and their families and friends. Please make initial contact by post to 416 Outwood Common Road. Billericay, Essex CM11 1ET.

If you're concerned that your child is having to cope with bullying, you can get advice on helping your child by calling Kidscape's bullying counsellor on 08451 205 204 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). You can also visit their website, which has helpful information for children and adults, including booklets about bullying at www.kidscape.org.uk.

The website Bullying Online UK contains lots of information for young people and their parents. Go to www.bullying.co.uk.

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