Life With a Difference
A space to celebrate and empower individuals with visible differences.
Through my work as a patient advocate I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people with stories that I believe we could all benefit from hearing.
This podcast aims to share those stories, experiences, and journeys of those living with unique appearances. Through candid conversations and inspiring interviews, we aim to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, increase empathy and kindness and build a community where everyone feels seen and heard.
Join us as we explore topics ranging from self-acceptance and advocacy to the everyday triumphs and challenges faced by our guests. Whether you have a visible difference or simply want to learn more, you’re invited to be part of our conversation and discover the beauty in diversity.
Subscribe now to help create a kinder and more inclusive world.
Life With a Difference
Life with a Cleft lip and palate: Stacey Bone
In this conversation, Stacey Bone shares her personal journey living with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, discussing the complexities of surgeries, the challenges faced during childhood, and the importance of mental health. She emphasises the need for advocacy and education to reduce bullying and promote understanding of visible differences. Stacey also highlights her work with charities and her personal photography project aimed at changing perceptions of individuals with clefts.
Please consider following/subscribing to help me build a platform to better advocate for people with visible differences.
Episode links:
https://www.staceybonephotography.co.uk
https://www.smiletrain.org.uk
http://www.changingfaces.org.uk
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
03:08 - Understanding Cleft Lip and Palate
05:58 - Surgical Interventions and Their Complexities
08:43 - Personal Experiences with Bullying and School Life
11:59 - Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
17:19 - Advocacy and Raising Awareness
18:51 - Overcoming Humiliation and Building Confidence
19:29 - The Importance of Early Education on Differences
22:19 - Legal Protections and Social Acceptance
24:25 - Visible Differences in Media Representation
28:12 - The Dark Reality of Clefts Worldwide
33:07 - Changing Smiles: A Photography Project for Awareness
37:38 - Hope for the Future: Changing Perceptions
Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/
Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/
Please get in touch if I can help in any way