Face Equality Week takes place 16-20 May. Face Equality Week is an annual event to raise awareness about the prejudice experienced by people with a visible difference or disfigurement.
To mark Face Equality Week Peter Steele, a clerical officer from Salus occupational health, gives a personal account of what it is like to live with a visible difference.
“I am Peter and I have a large port wine stain birthmark. I work with Salus occupational health but I’m also a campaigner for Changing Faces, a charity that aims to help and support those with a scar, mark or any visible difference.
“The theme for this year is ‘Stop The Stare’. I myself have had to deal with many looks from people as I go about my daily life and sometimes the comments can hurt, but I have learned not to let this trouble me. As a campaigner, I want to help others who may struggle to deal with the stares and nasty comments they may receive. A new survey from Changing Faces reveals that, from over one thousand people with a visible difference asked, 43 per cent have experienced hostile behaviour because of their visible difference.
“I have never let my birthmark define who I am but it’s very much a part of me. Those around me, both in my personal life and my colleagues at NHS Lanarkshire, don’t treat me any differently and this is how it should be. At the same time, they will support me whenever an issue around my birthmark does arise.
“My hope for the future is that people with a visible difference are more represented within work places at all levels. The Changing Faces campaign ‘Pledge to be Seen’ calls on organisations to represent more people with visible difference.”
You can read more about what Changing Faces does and the ‘Pledge to be seen’ campaign at www.changingfaces.org.uk
