CLAPA is dedicated to supporting, empowering and advocating for the UK cleft community. Through policy and campaigning work, we aim to ensure that cleft care is prioritised and strive to create real change where challenges exist, improving the lives of everyone affected by cleft.
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People affected by cleft face ongoing challenges. 38% of five-year-olds have at least one decayed, missing, or filled tooth. In 2023, 95% of adults returning to cleft care reported issues accessing support. Many health professionals lack knowledge of cleft, and shortages of Speech & Language Therapists mean children can miss out on speech support, leading to communication difficulties. Bullying, anxiety and discrimination are common, impacting mental health, self-esteem, and life opportunities.
CLAPA’s policy and campaigning work will take a strategic, multi-level approach to influencing, ensuring the needs of the cleft community are represented. It will focus on raising awareness and engaging with the cleft community; influencing decision-makers at all levels; strengthening our partnerships and collaborations with NHS cleft teams, medical bodies, and advocacy organisations; and developing dedicated, evidence-based campaigns that result in tangible policy wins for the cleft community.
