Our Strategy
CLAPA is your charity and your community, Here, you can find out more about our plans to improve the lives of people affected by cleft throughout the UK.
CLAPA’s Strategy for 2025-30
One in 700 babies is born with a cleft lip and/or palate; that’s three every day in the United Kingdom.
CLAPA is the national charity for everyone affected by cleft in the UK. We aim to ensure that no one facing a cleft journey does so alone, providing information, support, and a strong community from diagnosis through every stage of treatment.
Our 2025-2030 strategy reflects the voices of those with lived experience whilst prioritising long-term sustainability and innovation in services.
Our 5 Key Strategic Themes
- Invest: We will continue to invest in our services, infrastructure, and people. Our aim is to ensure we have the right resources and staff to meet growing demand and deliver quality services across the UK. This includes enhancing our communications and marketing functions and creating new income-generation streams.
- Empower: CLAPA is committed to being the leading voice of people affected by cleft. Through advocacy, campaigning, and co-production with those affected, we will influence policies and ensure individuals have a say in their care.
- Inform: We will ensure that the cleft community is well-informed about care pathways, treatment options, and available services. We aim to provide clear, accessible, and evidence-based resources that empower individuals to make informed decisions.
- Connect: Isolation is a major challenge for those affected by cleft. We will enhance opportunities for individuals to connect, share experiences, and access support through both digital and in-person events, including specialised services for children, young people, and adults.
- Reassure: From antenatal care onwards, we aim to reassure families and individuals with personalised information and support. Our services will continue to evolve to meet the emotional, psychological, and practical needs of the cleft community.
Future Plans
In the next five years, CLAPA will refresh our brand, launch an updated website, and further develop our advocacy work to influence policy changes within the NHS and UK Government. We will focus on financial sustainability, expanding our supporter base, and strengthening our partnerships with corporates and trusts to ensure a long-lasting impact on the cleft community.
CLAPA’s Focus for 2025/26
As we launch our 2025-2030 strategy, the upcoming year will focus on key foundational activities that lay the groundwork for long-term growth and impact. CLAPA will:
- Launch a Brand Refresh and New Website: A refreshed identity and a modern, user-friendly website will enhance our digital presence, making services more accessible to the cleft community.
- Expand Services and Reach: We will increase the capacity of our support services, to meet the growing demand. Our online events will continue to engage and support individuals affected by cleft at various stages of their journey.
- Empower the Community: CLAPA will expand their work on co-production, ensuring that those affected by cleft are involved in designing, delivering, and evaluating services. This will help us create more relevant, inclusive, and effective support.
- Campaign for Improved Care: With the appointment of our Policy and Campaigns Manager, we will push for better cleft care and treatment pathways, advocating for the needs of patients and families at every level.
- Strengthen Financial Sustainability: We will focus on securing long-term funding through diversified income streams, including building corporate partnerships and enhancing our legacy-giving programme.
This year will set the stage for the broader ambitions of the next five years, as we strive to provide better support and create lasting change for the cleft community.
Download CLAPA’s Strategy 2025-30 (PDF)
Previous Strategies
Download CLAPA’s Strategy 2022-25 (PDF)