Dear Families,

In previous years, the North West, North Wales and Isle of Man Cleft Lip & Palate Network have arranged an event called “School Change Day”. This is a workshop run by the Clinical Psychologists and Speech and Language Therapists for children who are due to transition to secondary school and their parents/carers.

For the last couple of years, we have been unable to offer a face-to-face workshop, but would like to share an information pack instead. The pack has been designed by Clinical Psychologists from Cleft Services across the UK to address some of the things we are often asked at this stage of a child’s life. The pack makes reference to growing up with a cleft lip and/or palate, but much of the information is also relevant for those with other difficulties (including non-cleft related speech concerns).

Please click on the links to access:

1. A Feedback Survey – This is to Gather Feedback on the ‘Moving Up’ Booklets. There is a section at the start to be completed before you read either of the booklets.
2. A ‘Moving Up’ Booklet for Parents/Carers
3. A ‘Moving Up’ Booklet for Children

Also, some extra information:

4. An Information Booklet for Schools from CLAPA (The Cleft Lip and Palate Association)
5. A Template Letter for Schools from CLAPA
6. An Information Flyer for CLAPA’s Children and Young People’s Services
7. A One-Page Communication Profile
8. An Additional High School Survival Guide

We hope you and your child will find this information helpful for their upcoming move to secondary school. Whilst there have been some changes since last year, children moving schools this year are doing so in particularly uncertain times. Children might not have had the usual opportunities to say goodbye to their old school, friends and teachers, or to explore their new school this year. This might have been disappointing or upsetting for some. We hope all young people are able to find some way to mark this special occasion and wish them all the very best with the move ahead.

If you have any questions about the pack, or any concerns relating to your child’s cleft you are welcome to contact the Cleft Coordinator for the team who support you:

Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital: 0161 701 9091
Alder Hey Hospital: 0151 252 5209

We would also encourage you to contact your child’s school (either primary or secondary) should you have any concerns or questions about the transition. Finally, there are additional resources for children with cleft and their families (including information and social activities) on CLAPA’s website: www.clapa.com

Best Wishes,
The North West, North Wales & Isle of Man Cleft Network

The skin camouflage service is available for Cleft Lip patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

If you’ve had a cleft lip repair, you may have a visible scar that makes you look a little different. We call this a visible difference. There is no right way to feel about having a visible difference, some people feel more comfortable when the scar left from surgery is not as noticeable.

Skin camouflage offers products and techniques patients can use that differ from traditional concealer products. These products are more pigmented and long-lasting. Originally designed as a ‘scar crème’ for soldiers they are easy to use giving full coverage with a natural look.

What is Skin Camouflage?

‘Skin camouflage’ refers to specialist cover creams that are designed to conceal discolouration or scarring when applied to the skin. Blended into the surrounding unaffected skin to create a natural look and reduce the appearance of imperfections.

The products

The products are not intended to alter the condition of the skin, but aim to replicate the skin’s natural colour and appearance. They are fully waterproof and opaque. This means they adhere better to skin that has become more textured and are formulated to give excellent coverage using a thin application.

Consultation
In order to learn how to apply the products patients are offered a consultation with a specially trained practitioner. Our practitioner find the best colour match for each person’s skin tone. The patient will be taught how to easily cover their cleft lip scarring. One application should last all day.

At first the process may seem complicated but will soon become easier.

Skin camouflage products can become a hassle-free part of a daily routine and can give patients the freedom to choose how much they want to reveal.

Who are skin camouflage products suitable for?
The products are suitable for men, women and children. They are not usually recommended for babies or very young children unless suggested by their doctor.

How do I obtain skin camouflage products?
Some skin camouflage creams and powders are available on NHS prescription. These are considered discretionary and the reason for camouflage use may be denied. Your GP will advise you what is available and should write the prescription for you to take to your pharmacy.

The same products can be purchased without a prescription by ordering them at the prescription counter. Concealer products are available to buy in shops. These may be helpful in camouflaging minor discoloration, but may not have be effective on cleft scarring.

What to do if you would like to be referred to the skin camouflage programme?
If you would like a referral, speak to a member of the Cleft team. The referral will be discussed with the consultant cleft surg

eon, who will confirm they are happy for you to be considered. If no concerns are raised, you will be offered a clinical psychology assessment. After this assessment, if are no concerns you will be offered a skin camouflage consultation. If any concerns are raised, alternative options will be explored.

The Products:-
 Contain ultra-violet sun protecting properties
 Oil-free sun protection, topical medication and emollients can be applied under the camouflage
 Silicone scar treatment can be applied under the camouflage but not silicone sheeting
 If required, decorative (oil-free) make up can be applied over the set camouflaged area
 Creams will easily mix together to create an acceptable match for your skin colour.
 Camouflage is smudge and smear resistant
 Camouflage is waterproof. You can swim or shower so long as care is taken afterwards to gently pat
the area dry
 Camouflage can be removed and immediately reapplied with no adverse effects

Where can I get m

ore information about skin camouflage?

Call the Manchester Cleft Unit, RMCH on 0161 701 9091
British Association of Skin Camouflage (NHS and private practice)
Tel: 01254 703 107
Email: info@skin-camouflage.net
Web: www.skin-camouflage.net

Changing Faces
Tel: 0300 012 0276 (for the Skin Camouflage Service)
Email: skincam@changingfaces.org.uk
Web: www.changingfaces.org.uk

Here at Alder Hey  Children’s Hospital  we were celebrating and promoting National Smile Month one of the largest and longest running campaigns to promote good oral health.

National smile month  promotes three main messages :

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other occasion  with fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on how much sugary food and snacks you  have  and how often you have them
• Visit your dentist regularly, as often as recommended