The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is an award-winning charity that works to improve the lives of people born with a cleft and their families in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA was founded in 1979 as an entirely volunteer run charity.  We are now a 20,000-strong community of parents, patients, cleft healthcare professionals and more, all dedicated to raising awareness and working together to overcome any barriers caused by cleft lip and palate.

Cleft lip and/or palate can cause a wide range of problems including difficulties feeding as an infant, differences in the way speech sounds, fluctuating hearing, and differences in the appearance of teeth, lip and nose.  Treatment includes support of new parents in feeding their baby, surgery (sometimes many surgeries), speech therapy and braces.  The treatment pathway extends through childhood to the age of about 20 years.  Some adults will also want and need treatment.  Not surprisingly individuals and families may also need support from clinical psychologists in various ways and at different stages in life.  No two families will be affected in the same way. The journey through treatment and beyond isn’t easy, but CLAPA believes that with the right help and support, everyone affected by cleft can face the world with a smile.

Our vision is of a society where everyone affected by cleft feels supported, connected and empowered to take control wherever they are on their cleft journey.