Young People

CLAPA’s children and young people’s service aims to create opportunities for young people to connect and make friends, become more confident and feel more positive about their cleft.

On these pages there are many stories and videos to read and watch! You can also find out about events that are coming up and learn about CLAPA’s Children and Young People’s Council (CYPC), which help to influence CLAPA’s work and are a voice for young people born with a cleft.

Join our Children and Young People’s Council

Are you 12 – 17 years old and were born with a cleft? Are you interested in making a difference for other young people born with a cleft in the UK?

We are currently recruiting for new members to join our Children and Young People’s Council (CYPC), who meet regularly to help us to improve our work for young people across the UK. Find out more and apply below!

Recruitment Poster

CYPC Information

Apply to join the CYPC here!

Young People’s Plan

We asked young people to help us decide what our plans should include for the next few years by answering questions in a Summer Survey. CLAPA’s Children and Young People’s Council then worked with CLAPA to create this plan for 2022 to 2025.  It explains how we will aim to help and support young people who were born with a cleft and the area of a cleft journey, which we will focus on. Click the buttons below to have a read!

Young People’s Plan

Young People’s Plan: Explained

Safeguarding

It’s CLAPA’s responsibility to keep all young people who use our services safe. Click to find out more about how we make safeguarding a priority.

If you have any questions about our Children and Young People’s services, please contact [email protected].

  • Videos

    Videos and media created by young people born with a cleft.

  • Treatment and Surgery

    Find information on cleft treatment and learn about other young people's experiences about everything from braces to surgery.

  • Events

    Meet other young people born with a cleft, increase your confidence and find your community at one of our events.

  • Your Stories

    Read stories from other young people born with a cleft about their experiences. Submissions are always open if you'd like to share your own story!

  • Children & Young People's Council

    The CYPC is a group of 12 - 17 year olds born with a cleft from all around the UK. They meet regularly to help CLAPA improve services and better support young people in our community.

  • Other Resources

    We know that we might not always be able to provide you with the support or help that you need, so here are some other organisations that might be able to help.

  • Residential Weekends

    CLAPA Residentials are a chance for you to meet and spend time with other young people born with a cleft in a safe and supportive space.

  • Cleft Youth Magazine

    Order a free copy of our brand new Cleft Youth Magazine for young people (suitable for children under 12).

  • Cleft Youth Instagram

    Follow our new Instagram account for young people (recommended for ages 13+)

CLAPA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of everyone who accesses our services, and has strict policies and procedures in place to protect under 18s.

Find Out More