Changing Faces

Sheffield Children’s Hospital is one of only three paediatric hospitals in the UK to have a Changing Faces practitioner providing support for young people affected by disfigurement.

Ahmina Akhtar is a qualified social worker who works alongside the hospital’s psychology service to support children, young people and their families who are living with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance.

The role was developed by the charity Changing Faces which has over 20 years experience of helping people and their families living with disfigurement.

Ahmina’s expertise is available to young people with a range of conditions such as severe acne, eczema, alopecia, burns, cancer and limb reconstruction.

Support is available in clinics and in the community and is tailored to the needs of the patient. This can include making them more comfortable with their condition, exploring treatment options fully and helping them to build a stronger attitude and more positive outlook.