The campaign for Face Equality is about everyone being treated fairly and equally regardless of appearance. The annual International Face Equality Week is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the ridicule, staring, ostracism, bullying and discrimination individuals may experience when they have a disfigurement.
To mark the Week , Changing Faces Channel Islands LGB (CFCI) are re-launching their Skin Camouflage Service in the Bailiwick. For someone living with scarring or a skin condition that affects their appearance and confidence, specialist camouflage products offer a way to cope. The service helps individuals to regain self-confidence and independence.
The service is delivered by nurse Kate Morris who works for the Healthcare Group. Kate received her intensive training in the UK from Changing Faces UK and is a trained Skin Camouflage Practitioner. Nurse Kate says: “When I see a patient, I work with them to select the best colour match for their skin tone. I then teach them how to apply the cover creams to improve the appearance of affected areas. These creams can provide effective waterproof cover for a wide number of skin conditions, including scarring from surgery accidents or self harm, vitiligo, birthmarks and lots of other skin conditions”
Jill Clark, Chairman of CFCI says: “We are very pleased to cover the costs of an appointment to see nurse Kate for skin camouflage advice. If anyone is concerned about a disfigurement we may be able to help. Patients need to visit their GP and be referred to the skin camouflage service – once your GP has approved that the camouflage service is suitable for you, patients can book an appointment at the Healthcare Group Surgery in St. Martin’s (telephone 723373)”
Guernsey resident and Face Equality International founder James Partridge, who carries the scars of burns 49 years ago with pride, says: “Our culture’s relentless focus on appearance and the huge pressure to look good affects us all. If you have a disfigurement from any cause – a cleft lip and/or palate, a birthmark, acne or psoriasis, Bell’s palsy or scars from an accident, for example – you can face discrimination because of the way you look. You may be stared at, teased or avoided. You may feel isolated and believe you have little chance of leading a successful life. That should not be the case. International Face Equality Week is an opportunity to start to put it right.”
For further information visit www.changingfacesci.org.gg/skin-camouflage/ or www.faceequalityinternational.org
