CLEFT

🌍 Raising awareness about cleft lip and palate is essential to combat stigma and misinformation. Every individual deserves understanding and acceptance, and through education, we can empower communities to support individuals with clefts. Cleft lip and palate are common congenital conditions affecting millions worldwide. Unfortunately, many still face challenges due to misinformation and stigma. By spreading awareness, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for those impacted by cleft conditions. Join us in advocating for cleft care worldwide. Through education and awareness, we can break down barriers and ensure that every child and family receives the care and support they deserve. Together, we can make a difference! 💙 🔹 Get Involved: Share this post to spread awareness. Educate yourself and others about cleft conditions - visit the CLEFT website. Support organisations dedicated to cleft care and advocacy. Let's work together to create a world where everyone with cleft conditions is accepted and supported. Every voice counts in making a positive change.🌟  #CleftAwareness #EndTheStigma #CleftCommunity #SupportAndAcceptance #CleftCare #CleftLipAndPalate #CleftAdvocacy #EmpowerCommunities #SpreadAwareness #CleftPride

💖 The journey of cleft care is not just medical; it is deeply personal and emotional. Families play a critical role in supporting children with clefts through surgeries, therapies, and daily challenges. Strong family support can positively impact a child's self-esteem and overall well-being, providing the love and encouragement they need to thrive. From attending medical appointments to offering emotional support, families are the backbone of a successful cleft care journey. Access to resources and support networks is crucial in empowering families to provide the best care possible. Many organisations offer guidance, counseling, and community support to help families navigate the challenges they may face. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for every child with cleft conditions. 💪👨👩👧👦 #CleftAwareness #FamilySupport #CleftCare #CleftCommunity #CleftJourney #CleftLipAndPalate 

🌟 Celebrating Connor's Inspiring Story 🌟 Earlier this year, we had the privilege of attending Spire's 20th Anniversary Celebration, where we were deeply moved by Connor's story and the incredible way it was captured by photographer Jason Dimmock. 📸 Connor was born with a cleft lip and palate and has undergone numerous surgeries since birth. His journey highlights the resilience and determination of those affected by cleft conditions. Despite challenges, Connor's spirit shines through, demonstrating the impact of support and expert care. As part of the celebration, Jason Dimmock collaborated on an NHS commission titled “For the Record,” which documents a patient's cleft journey from babyhood to adulthood. This project celebrates 20 years of the Spires Cleft Centre, based in Salisbury and Oxford, and was being exhibited at Shaw House, Newbury, Berkshire. 🎉 Jason's stunning photography captures Connor’s journey and the love and strength of his family, reminding us of the importance of raising awareness and supporting individuals with cleft conditions. Connor's story is a testament to the incredible work done by medical professionals and the power of community support. 💙 We are grateful to have been part of Spire's celebration and to have witnessed the impact of Connor's journey. Let's continue to spread awareness and make a difference in the lives of those with cleft conditions. Read more about Connor’s journey here: https://lnkd.in/e7Nz4zRg #CLEFTCharity #CleftAwareness #ConnorsStory #Inspiration #Photography #CommunitySupport #ForTheRecord #SpiresCleftCentre

🎓 Join the CLEFT Student Section! 🌟 Are you passionate about making a difference and raising awareness for cleft care? We’re looking for enthusiastic University Student Ambassadors to join the CLEFT Student Section for the upcoming academic year! The CLEFT Student Section is a national body of student ambassadors who play a vital role in fundraising and spreading awareness about CLEFT through events in their local and regional areas. Our university team mirrors the multidisciplinary approach to cleft care, including medics, dentists, speech and language therapists, nurses, midwives, and physios. 🩺🦷🗣️ How Can You Get Involved? Participate in impactful fundraising events 🎉 Raise awareness for CLEFT in your community 🗣️ Collaborate with students from various disciplines 🤝 If you’re interested in joining our amazing team and making a real difference, visit CLEFT Student Section for more information and to sign up! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d64s-QVF Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by cleft conditions. 💙 #CLEFTCharity #StudentAmbassadors #CleftAwareness #JoinUs #UniversityLife

🧬 Cleft lip and palate can sometimes be linked to over 400 different syndromes, including Pierre Robin sequence and Van der Woude syndrome. While these conditions often occur on their own, they can also be part of a more complex genetic picture. Understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to clefts is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support. This is why cleft research is so important. By studying these factors, researchers can develop better treatments and preventive strategies, improving the lives of individuals with cleft conditions. Genetic counseling plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing cleft-related syndromes, helping families navigate their unique journeys. Together, we can unlock answers and pave the way for a brighter future for those affected by cleft conditions. 💙  #CleftAwareness #CleftResearch #GeneticCounseling #CleftLipAndPalate #PierreRobinSyndrome #VanDerWoudeSyndrome 

🌍 Mozambique Trip Planned for 2024! In December, a CLEFT funded team will be heading to Maputo, Mozambique, a city with over 4 million people facing significant poverty and under-resourced hospitals. At Hospital Central de Maputo, the plastic surgery department mainly treats burns, leaving many with unrepaired cleft lips and palates. The lack of data makes it hard to assess the quality of cleft repairs, and there is only one Speech and Language Therapist available. In August 2022, Khurram Khan, a Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon at Birmingham Children's Hospital and a member of CLEFT's International Steering Committee, visited Maputo. He collaborated with Pedro Sanches, a local Plastic Surgeon, to explore ways CLEFT could help. Over the past two years, a twinning arrangement has been established between the two hospitals. We're thrilled to announce a return trip in December 2024, with a dedicated team of surgeons, two Speech and Language Therapists, an Anaesthetist, and a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Our goal is to provide a week of interdisciplinary training and share techniques for cleft patient care. 🤝 Read about the impact of our work on our patients’ lives: https://lnkd.in/d4CjhxKH #CLEFT #Mozambique #CleftAwareness #GlobalHealth #cleftlip

🔍 Digital Training Resources Available! 💻 We're thrilled to offer online training resources for surgeons worldwide, featuring videos of Mr. Brian Sommerlad's surgical cleft procedures. 🌍 These materials include seven detailed videos and comprehensive notes from Mr. Sommerlad himself, designed to support surgeons globally in improving cleft care. Available Procedures: Repair of unilateral cleft lip and anterior palate Repair of cleft palate Palate re-repair Repair of bilateral cleft lip and anterior palate Buccinator flap lengthening of the palate with re-repair Submucous cleft palate Hynes Pharyngoplasty How to Access: Surgeons interested in these resources should provide their name, email, occupational position, and full hospital postal address by clicking the link below. Once we receive your request, you'll receive an email with links to download the full procedure recordings. 📧 https://lnkd.in/dVZgq33m   #CLEFTCharity #SurgicalTraining #CleftAwareness #GlobalHealth #MedicalEducation #WorldwideImpact

📢 CLEFT Update: Spreading Awareness and Raising Support 🌟 This month, Jenny Cropper, a valued member of the CLEFT Research Steering Committee, spoke at a meeting of the Christ Church Walmersley, Bury, Mother's Union group. 🗣️ She shared insightful information about cleft conditions and their impact on children, young people, and adults. 💬 Jenny also highlighted the incredible work that CLEFT does and how everyone can support and get involved in making a difference! 🙌 We're thrilled to share that £90 was raised in donations at the event! 🎉 A huge thank you to Jenny and all our CLEFT team members who dedicate their time to increasing awareness and fundraising. Your efforts are truly making a difference! 💙 And a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful ladies who attended and donated. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Together, we can continue to support those affected by cleft conditions. 🤝 #CLEFTCharity #CleftAwareness #MakingADifference #ThankYou #CommunitySupport

🌟 Update on Emily's Skydive Challenge! 🌟 Due to the unpredictable Great British summer, Emily's skydiving adventure on June 1st was postponed because of strong winds and rain. But the good news is, CLEFT's Deputy Operations Officer is now set to jump this Saturday, August 17th—which is also her 40th birthday! 🎉🎂 So she'll be celebrating in style by jumping 12,000 feet over the South Coast, freefalling for 40 seconds at 125mph! 🌤️🪂 📅 New Skydive Date: Saturday, August 17th 🎂 Occasion: Emily's 40th Birthday Wish her the best of luck as she takes on this thrilling challenge! Stay tuned for the incredible video footage and see her leap into action. 🚀 Want to support her? Click the link below to donate and help raise funds for CLEFT! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d7QSrFch 🌐 #SkydivingForCLEFT #BirthdaySkydive #SupportTheCause #CLEFTCharity #FundraisingChallenge

🌟 Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment 🌟 The treatment of cleft lip and palate is a journey that often starts in infancy and can extend into early adulthood. This comprehensive process involves a series of surgeries and ongoing care to ensure the best outcomes. Here’s what you need to know: 👶 Infancy: Initial surgeries usually begin within the first year to repair the lip and palate, improving function and appearance. 👧 Childhood: Additional surgeries may be required to address speech and facial growth. Ongoing dental care is crucial for healthy teeth development. 🧒 Adolescence: Orthodontic treatment and further surgical procedures might be necessary to refine facial features and improve bite alignment. 🧑 Adulthood: Final touches, including potential rhinoplasty or jaw surgery, can enhance facial symmetry and functionality. 🧠 Comprehensive Care: Beyond surgeries, individuals benefit from speech therapy, psychological support, and regular dental visits to ensure holistic well-being. 💪 This lifelong approach requires a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, dentists, orthodontists, speech therapists, and psychologists. 🌈 Every step of the way, the goal is to empower individuals with the confidence and functionality they deserve. #CleftAwareness #SupportAndCare #CleftLip #CleftPalate #SLT #HealthMatters