In June 2024, Fiona and Callum attended the Appearance Collective Conference in Bristol. By nature, this conference was different to the conferences we usually attend. Instead of being geared towards educating medical professionals about CMN, we had the opportunity to showcase our Support Initiatives as part of the Appearance Collective.
The Appearance Collective is an informal network of more than 130 individuals from some 60 organisations that are actively engaged in the visible difference arena. Caring Matters Now is a member of The Appearance Collective both as providing front-line service delivery and research opportunities.
Our volunteers thoroughly enjoyed learning about Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT therapy) which is a type of mindful psychotherapy that helps you stay focused on the present moment, accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into healing instead of dwelling on the negative. This therapy provides the theoretical underpinning of several resources for people with visible differences which are currently being developed and trialled by the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) Bristol (University of West England).
- ACT IT OUT PROJECT– an app to help people with a visible difference, the app has 6 sessions and uses a skills training approach. During the trial people with visible differences linked the reminders the app gave them.
- Loving ACTion– a 7-episode podcast series which explores visible difference and concerns around intimacy and romantic relationships.
- Parenting Toolkit a self-guided ACT based intervention for parents and carers of children with appearance affecting conditions in the form of an Ebook.
They also enjoyed listening to the keynote speaker, Kathleen Bogart who spoke on the positive impact of open disclosure or broadcasting on the mental health of people with a visible difference. Kathleen concluded that parents of young children should practice open disclosure on behalf of their child to encourage them to continue with it.
To read more about the Appearance Collective click here.
