Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA)

About Us

CLAPA is the only national charity in the UK devoted to giving comprehensive support to all those affected by cleft lip and/or palate.

With over 30 years’ experience of providing dedicated services where they are needed the most, CLAPA aims to improve the quality of life for all those born with clefts, and to be the voice of both the patient and those involved with their care.

What we do

Parent Support Services: CLAPA supports new or expecting parents from the moment of diagnosis by offering clear and accessible information as well as emotional support with our UK-wide network of trained parent contacts. We are the sole UK provider of specialist bottles and teats and supply new parents with a free starter pack, containing bottles, teats and several information booklets.

One parent said: “Without CLAPA we would have been in a mess when our son was born, they have helped with everything from information to feeding equipment.”

Community: CLAPA has a free membership scheme and several ways people can become part of our increasingly active cleft community which is open to all ages and to everyone affected. This kind of support network provides a place for those affected by cleft lip and/or palate to share their highs and lows with a community that is understanding and sympathetic.

Improving Care: Safeguarding best practice and lobbying for the best possible standards of cleft care, both in the UK and Europe.

Awareness: We work to raise awareness of cleft lip and palate amongst the general public however we can, through information leaflets, appeals, events and publicity drives.

Our Vision

CLAPA’s vision is a society where having a cleft lip and/or palate is no barrier to achieving your desires and ambitions