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Changing Faces
Sick Kids Friends Foundation invests vital funds to implement first hospital-based Changing Faces Practitioner in the UK.
Children with scars, markings and or conditions that affect appearence will be offered specialised emotional support at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.
Changing Faces is a leading UK charity that supports, represents and campaigns for the equality of people who have disfigurements. The post is being funded by SKFF to appoint a qualified practitioner to increase the level of resources in Scotland.
Brave Angus Blacklock is one of many children who has benefited from the work of both charities.
The eight-year-old has a condition called Microtia. He was born with one ear and a submucous cleft palate in his mouth, as well as other problems. Football mad Angus, from Aberlady in East Lothian has endured more than 15 operations and faces years of further medical treatment.
Last year, his father Robin Blacklock pioneered a fundraising campaign and tackled a 7,000 mile drive to visit the home grounds of every team who has ever won the European Cup. The challenge raised more than £100,000 and he donated the proceeds to the Sick Kids Friends Foundation and Changing Faces.
Robin said: "I am delighted that there will be a Changing Faces Practioner on hand in Edinburgh. The charity does a fantastic job and the support they offer is invaluable.
"The Sick Kids Friends Foundation is leading the way in the field by providing this vital resource. It will make a huge difference to families to have a contact on the ground.
"When you have a child with difficulties, all you want for them is to have confidence and the opportunity to grow their self-esteem. This move is a step in the right direction and a positive development for the hospital."
Children will be coached to boost confidence and self-esteem in workshops and in counselling sessions to help them deal with social situations where they may be stared at or bullied.
Maureen Harrison, Chief Executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation is thrilled to have a part in this exciting new development.
She said: "We are looking forward to helping children cope with disfigurement and making sure the support they need is in place in 2012."
