We bring together people affected by cleft to help them connect with others who share their experiences, welcoming them into a supportive community for life.
We have a small office in Bethnal Green, London, but our staff are based around the UK.
Our Vision
No one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.
Our Purpose
CLAPA is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom. We support people to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care.
Strategy
Read about our strategy for 2025-30
Services include:
- Vibrant social Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels which promote positivity, bust myths and celebrate differences with regular content created by and for the cleft community.
- Online support groups moderated by trained volunteers provide an instant connection for those looking for an informal support network.
- Regular events give people the chance to talk about their experiences and worries and hear from others at all stages of the cleft journey.
- Confidential one-to-one support provided by trained volunteer patients and parents who reassure those most in need that they can cope with whatever lies ahead.
- Counselling to enable those feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed to work on any issues in their lives.
- Information on cleft led by our community, reflecting their experiences and emotional needs as well as medical facts.
- Information, signposting and support for those with those with complex enquiries.
- A Children and Young People’s Council and several targeted focus groups (Families, Adults & Young Adults) who meet to share their thoughts and experiences, helping to improve our support services as well as cleft research and NHS care.
- Camp CLAPA Activity Weekends to help young people born with a cleft build confidence and make friends while enjoying the outdoors.
- CLAPA Companions Pen Pals to connect 6-17-year-olds with others born with a cleft around the UK to exchange written, video or audio messages.
- Cleft++ Mentoring for 10-17 year olds which connects them to specially trained young adults born with a cleft who use their experiences to provide support.
- A consultancy service for researchers which connects their work with our community.
- A feeding service that supplies 15,000 subsidised items of specialist equipment for babies born with a cleft each year, including free of charge items for new and vulnerable families.
Values
Inclusive
Everyone affected by cleft in the UK, regardless of background, identity or socioeconomic status, should be able to find a warm and welcoming community with CLAPA. We value all voices and want everyone to see themselves reflected in our work.
Trusted
We passionately believe in doing what is best for the UK cleft community. Their needs and voices are at the front and centre of everything we do. We take responsibility for our mistakes and use them as chances to learn.
Adaptable
We seek authentic feedback to help us raise the bar in everything we do. We don’t stay stuck in our ways. We follow the evidence, try new things, and change with the times.
Collaborative
We work best when we work together, whether this is as a staff team, as a community, or in partnership with others.
