East of England Young People’s Group

On Saturday 9th August, young people from across the East of England got together for their first night out.  The group is made up of young people aged 11-16, some of whom were born with a cleft lip and/or palate and others who have been affected as a result of having a sibling who was born with a cleft.  The group was set up by Bethany Thevenin, aged 14, who was born with a cleft lip and palate and Jaimee Tuck, aged 13, whose younger sister, Molly, was born with a very wide cleft palate.

The girls, along with Bethany's older sister, Emily, met up with Claire Cunniffe, CLAPA's East of England Regional Coordinator at Frankie and Benny's restaurant in Bedford for pizza, burgers, ice cream and lots of laughs.  Parents came along too and were able to chat about their shared experiences. 

The group are now planning their next get-together for the end of August and would welcome ideas and possible venues within the region.  Bowling is the current favourite!

There are a few young people who could not make it along on Saturday or found out about the group to late who are keen to join us and we would welcome more members of the group.

If you would like to get involved or find out more, please contact Claire Cunniffe on 07854 298 304 or email her at .