Bronwen’s Story
Bronwen’s Story
“My name is Bronwen, I’m 21, and I was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. My parents received support from CLAPA around the time I was born, and then I got in touch myself when I was 14.
“At the time, I had never met anyone else with a cleft, and I felt quite isolated, but after my first adventure day with CLAPA, I felt amazing and signed up for a [Camp CLAPA] residential weekend as soon as I got home.
“Realising that I was not alone was completely life-changing, and I will forever be grateful for the support I received.”
“Realising that I was not alone was completely life-changing, and I will forever be grateful for the support I received.
“During the lockdown in 2020, I decided that I wanted to give back to CLAPA, so I became a volunteer. I’ve since helped facilitate online events such as coffee clubs and Q&A sessions, and I am now also one of CLAPA’s Cleft++ mentors!
“The cleft journey can be difficult to navigate. I struggled a lot with bullying and confidence growing up, but I found having a safe space to talk about it was really helpful.
“It was my own first experience of therapy that inspired me to start my [university] course and become a therapist myself. I chose to complete my online placement hours as a student counsellor with CLAPA, offering 1-1 sessions to adults and parents affected by cleft. It was such an incredible experience, and I felt so privileged to hear people’s stories and to be a part of their cleft journey.
“Last month, I achieved my dream and graduated with a degree in counselling and psychotherapy.
“My advice to other young people with a cleft would be to pursue your passions – you are more than your cleft and are capable of anything.”
“My advice to other young people with a cleft would be to pursue your passions – you are more than your cleft and are capable of anything. And to reach out if you are struggling – there is no shame in asking for help, and it is important to talk about your feelings. And finally, remember that you are not alone.”
