Communications Workshop
On 28th January the VTCT Foundation hosted a workshop in partnership with Changing Faces on communications and campaigns – highlighting the various ways that communications enable charities to make a difference. The day-long workshop for members of the Appearance Collective included topics such as communications strategy and planning, website development, making the most of social media, working with journalists – all through the lens of working in the field of visible difference. Our thanks to Changing Faces and to all participants who took part with such enthusiasm!
Engaging with Impact: How to inspire people to be part of the solution
At the July 2024 VTCT Foundation Showcase, we interviewed Heather Blake and Andrew Smart (Changing Faces) and Hannah Saunders (QMU/Face Equality International) about how Appearance Collective members can make a difference to public awareness and acceptance of visible differences.
Heather Blake, CEO, Changing Faces
Andrew Smart, Director of Communications, Changing Faces
Dr Hannah Saunders, Research Fellow, Queen Mary’s University, London and FEI
Personal experience is a common thread that motivates many charity supporters across the Visible Difference sector. And members of the Appearance Collective are connected by their determination to support those with a visible difference whilst challenging people’s perceptions to create a more inclusive world.
But, with no quick fix to changing attitudes, how can organisations highlight the unconscious behaviours that stigmatise a portion of society? And what’s the best way to inspire people, who might not previously have given visible difference much thought, to be part of the solution?
VTCT Foundation Events
14th May 2025
Finance & Governance Workshop for Chairs/Trustees and Chief Executives
Led by Genny Jones, Charity Accountant and Consultant for the Directory of Social Change
Venue: NCVO, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL
The workshop will cover
- Financial Responsibilities of Trustees
- Governance and Legal Obligations
- The Big Picture of Bookkeeping and Accounting Flow of Information
- Budgeting
- Management Accounts
- Year-End Accounts
Contact lizzie.chambers@vtctfoundation.org.uk if you would like further information or would like to book a place.
16th July 2025
VTCT Foundation Showcase
A day to share and celebrate some of the projects that have been funded through the VTCT Foundation.
Venue: NCVO, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL
14th November 2025
Chairs & Chief Executives Meeting
Sharing the findings and recommendations from the VTCT Foundation Legacy Project.
Venue: TBC
Other Events
A Different Way of Looking: A Day For Young People with Visible Differences
Saturday July 5th, 2025
When community organisation East Brighton Trust identified that there were many young people in its local area who might be struggling with lack of self-confidence, bullying, or anxiety due to visible differences such as severe eczema, scars, or birthmarks, they reached out to local skincare brand Balmonds Skincare and charity Changing Faces to host a day for local young people. Balmonds has been manufacturing natural skincare in East Brighton for the last six years, with a mission to help those with allergy – and eczema-prone skin feel more confident and comfortable.
We’re planning to host a day for up to 50 young people aged 11-16 from Brighton who would benefit from feeling more self-confident and comfortable about their appearance. The day will include talks from skin positivity campaigners and Changing Faces ambassadors as well as practical tips on skincare and makeup, giving the young people practical tools to cope better with the challenges that visible difference can bring. It’ll be an opportunity for young people with eczema, birthmarks, scars, and other visible differences to get together and share their experiences, as well as meet and learn from people in the public eye (e.g. influencers and campaigners) who are themselves living with visible differences.
Can You Help? We’d love to inspire young people with talks and break-out events/ activities hosted by Changing Faces ambassadors. If you would like to be involved, please contact beki@eastbrightontrust.co.uk