New campaign to help people with a visible difference

Every day people with a visible difference are being excluded from public life in Oldham with many facing discrimination, isolation and loneliness because of their mark, scar or condition.

At Changing Faces we know people with a disfigurement are vulnerable to social anxiety and low self-esteem. They face staring, harassment, bullying and hate crime. Our new report reveals that six in ten people with a visible difference have experienced hostility from a stranger. And one in three say that they feel depressed, sad or anxious. 

We need to act now to challenge stigma and prejudice, achieve better representation for people with visible differences across the media and in brand campaigns, and increase awareness and education across schools, workplaces and amongst the general public. 

We know this change is possible but we can’t do it on our own. That’s why we are calling on businesses in Oldham to sign up to our #PledgeToBeSeen campaign and commit to better representation for people with a visible difference. 

If ever there was a time for people who look different to be seen and heard it’s now. Together we can make sure that people with a visible difference can live the life they want. 

Yours sincerely, 

Becky Hewitt 

Chief Executive, Changing Faces

 

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.