Exploring discrimination against those living with a facial disfigurement

We often judge other people far too quickly by the way they look. First impressions aren’t always accurate but resorting to is a kind of discrimination we need to cast aside – as new research suggests that we judge other people far too readily on their appearance.

New research by the largest cleft-focussed charity Smile Train UK explores the reasons why you really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Sadly, over a third (34%) of people living with a facial difference in the UK – including cleft – have been discriminated against or have heard negative comments said about them.

The impact can be devasting as outdated stigmas are still very much a reality for many people, with three in ten (30%) saying they’ve been bullied. As a result, more than a quarter have felt self-conscious (29%), unhappy (28%), embarrassed (28%), unwanted (26%) – and even depressed (27%).

Aston spoke to Ian Vallance, director at Smile Train UK and photographer Fanny Beckman.