Have you been affected by what you have seen in Bleach, Nip, Tuck: The White Beauty Myth?
If you need advice any of the issues raised, here are some organisations that may be able to help:
If concerns about your appearance are affecting your wellbeing and how you deal with your life, SANEline provide emotional support. Trained staff are available to take calls on 0845 767 8000 (local rate, 6pm - 11pm every day of the year) or email sanemail@sane.org.uk.
The Vitiligo Society offers support to people with vitiligo, provides information about vitiligo and available treatment for the condition. Call 0800 018 2631 (free, Monday - Friday 10am -2pm).
Short Persons Support provide support and reference material to persons of short stature – this website also includes information about cosmetic leg lengthening procedures.
Bullying Online contains lots of helpful information about all sorts of bullying. Bullying specifically relating to racism has dedicated information. Also, you can email help@bullying.co.uk.
Victim Supportline provide help and information for anyone who has been affected by a crime including a violent assault. It doesn't matter when the crime took place or what type of crime it was. You might not want to involve the police but want someone to listen to how you feel. If you do want to go to the police, they can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court. Call 0845 30 30 900 (Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am -7pm, Bank Holidays 9am - 5pm). Typetalk users should dial 18001 0845 30 30 900. You can also e mail supportline@victimsupport.org.uk.
If you’ve suffered racial discrimination at work ACAS - the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service offer free advice from their website. Or call the Acas Helpline a confidential, impartial service on 08457 47 47 47 (local rate, confidential Monday - Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm) Minicom users should call 08456 06 16 00.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission work to create a fairer Britain. The website includes information on how the law defines discrimination on racial grounds, plus also your legal rights and what to do if you are being discriminated against. Call the local rate helpline numbers in England: 0845 604 6610, textphone 0845 604 6620; Wales 0845 604 8810, textphone 0845 604 8820; Scotland 0845 604 5510, textphone 0845 604 5520 (Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm).
Cosmetic Surgery
If you are considering altering your appearance it’s important not to rush into anything and to take time thinking about why you want to take this step. Do your research into the procedure and possible risks.
Fully trained plastic surgeons should be listed on the General Medical Council specialist register. All doctors setting up as cosmetic surgeons (formerly known as plastic surgeons) must also be on the GMC's specialist register.
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons - BAAPS offer information about aesthetic plastic surgery. The website features a search facility for accredited surgeons, gives details of the common cosmetic surgery procedures, and tells you the risks and limitations of each.
British Association of Cosmetic Doctors represent cosmetic practitioners and maintain standards to benefit doctors and the public. Suitably trained and experienced doctors and different non-surgical treatments can be found on the website.
British Association of Plastic Surgeons is the professional representative body for plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the UK. The website offers authoritative advice on the different clinical areas of plastic surgery and has a reading list of up-to-date articles on treatments.
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