Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA)

The issue:

One in 700 babies are born with a cleft around the world, of which 1,200 are born in the UK every year. Many babies born with a cleft are unable to create a vacuum with their mouth, taking away their ability to suck. These babies may therefore not take in enough nourishment to thrive properly when feeding from a regular bottle or a breast, causing not only diminished health, but also considerable anxiety for parents.

The project:

CLAPA is the only provider of specialist bottles and teats in the UK, with one design made exclusively for their specification. The organisation fills a gap that the National Health Service cannot provide by supplying free Welcome Packs to families of babies newly diagnosed with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Croda Foundation has awarded CLAPA £29,181, which will enable the organisation to distribute 730 Welcome Packs. These Welcome Packs include feeding equipment tailored to each baby’s specific diagnosis, as well as vital information about CLAPA’s additional support services.

The Welcome Packs also act as an entry point to CLAPA, introducing families to the organisation and its programmes. From there, parents and loved ones can purchase replacement equipment and connect with others experiencing similar diagnoses. As the babies grow into children and adolescents, CLAPA continues to foster a sense of community via support groups and various resources.

To learn more about CLAPA, visit its website.