CLAPA works with cleft researchers and NHS clinicians to ensure that people from the cleft community can get involved with their projects. Find out how you can get involved.
This page is aimed at people in the UK cleft community. Click here for resources and information for cleft researchers and NHS clinicians.
CLAPA works with cleft researchers and NHS clinicians to ensure that people from the cleft community can get involved with their projects. This might include:
New projects and opportunities are being added all the time – check out the latest opportunities below!
It’s important that the results of these research projects reflect the entire UK cleft community. Many research projects are underrepresented by people from ethnic minorities, men, people of colour, and people who follow religions other than Christianity. If you represent any of these groups, we strongly encourage you to get involved so that your voice is heard.
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Gillian, our Involvement Manager, at [email protected]
Getting involved in research is an investment in the future of healthcare. Current treatments only exist because people like you have supported research in the past, and what you do today can help pave the way for even better treatment to be available to others in the future.
Many people who take part in or give feedback on studies say it helps give them a sense of control over whatever treatment they or their child are going through and makes them feel more connected to a community of people affected by a condition.
[I have really enjoyed] being able to influence research programmes and seeing how my input makes a difference with cleft treatment.CLAPA Patient Rep
The Cleft Development Group (CDG) has representatives from all NHS Cleft Teams in the UK. Its purpose is to ensure the highest quality of cleft care for all patients who need it. CLAPA supports the CDG with its Patient Engagement Group (PEG) to ensure the voice of the cleft community is heard in CDG meetings.
SURVEY NOW CLOSED. In the last few years, we’ve heard from many of you who’ve had problems accessing NHS dental care, especially for cleft-related issues. We want to learn more about the kind of problems you’ve been having so we can better understand how to help.
Cleft@18-23 is an NIHR-funded research programme which investigates outcomes at the end of routine care for 18–23-year-olds born with a cleft of the lip or palate or both.
The Cleft Collective is a UK-wide research programme investigating the causes of cleft, the best treatments for cleft and the long-term wellbeing of those affected it was launched in 2012 and is one of the largest cleft lip and palate research programme in the world.
The CRANE database records information about children and adults born with cleft lip and cleft palate in the UK. It is the best place to go for up to date statistics on the UK cleft community.
Are you a cleft researcher or NHS clinician with a project you'd like CLAPA's support with? Check out our 'Resources for researchers' page for information on our consultancy service.
