Disfigurement charity wins £250,000 boost

The Changing Faces project is one of six groups across Yorkshire to share more than £1.4m from the Big Lottery Fund’s (Big) Reaching Communities programme.

The new regional centre for Changing Faces will provide access to specialist psychological help that will support people living with disfigurement to gain confidence and life skills.

A skin camouflage service will also be provided by trained volunteers, showing people how to cover scars, marks and skin conditions with specialist creams and techniques.

The chief executive of Changing Faces, James Partridge, said: “Everyone at Changing Faces is thrilled to get this huge vote of support from the Big Lottery Fund.

“We know from speaking to many people in the region, who live with conditions that affect their appearance, how much they want Changing Faces closer to them for support and advice.”

Also receiving funding is M25 Housing And Support Group, which has received just under £293,461 to run monthly sessions to educate young people about credit cards and credit unions.

Big’s head of the Yorkshire and Humber region, Vanessa White, said: “The inspirational work of these charities does so much to help people coping with incredibly difficult challenges.”

Other projects to benefit from Reaching Communities include Bradford-based projects Keighley & District Volunteer Centre, which received £176,864, and Anah Project which secured £285,263.

Barnsley Alcohol And Drug Advisory Service was given £138,347, while Endeavour Training Limited, based in Rotherham, was awarded £293,461. Nationwide, 64 projects benefited from a share of £14.8m.