Resources from the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR)

Resources available through the Visible Difference Support Hub

The Visible Difference Support Hub offers easy access to CAR’s free, evidence-based support for people whose lives are impacted by a visible difference of any sort. It also includes tools for raising awareness and understanding about visible difference.

Resources relevant for any kind of Visible Difference

Loving ACTion

This is a free seven-episode podcast series aimed at helping adults with visible differences who have concerns relating to intimacy and romantic relationships.  For more details, go to Loving ACTion.

ACT It Out

This is a free app designed for people aged 16+ who are going through psychological and social challenges to do with looking different.  For more details, go to ACT It Out.

The Visible Difference Parenting Toolkit

This is a free e-book designed to help parents and carers of children with visible differences of any kind.  For more details, go to The Visible Difference Parenting Toolkit.

More Than My Appearance 

This is writing programme is for adults with any kind of visible differences who want to feel better about their bodies.  For more details, go to More Than My Appearance. 

Support for Teachers

This brief guide can help teachers and other school staff feel more prepared for discussions around appearance and promoting acceptance of diversity. For more information, and to access the guide for free, go to The Teacher Toolkit: Support Guide for School Staff Promoting Acceptance and Diversity.

Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game 

This is an educational board game aimed at children aged nine and above, designed to promote discussion and help players explore their thoughts and feelings around body image, appearance and differences. For more information, go to Everybody’s Different: The Appearance Game.

Condition-specific resources

For people affected by burns

Supporting Children with Burns

This is a website for parents and carers of children and young people who have experienced burn injuries, regardless of the size, severity or location. For more information and to access the website, go to Supporting Children With Burns.

Burns Healthtalk

This webpage features personal stories from 36 adults, young people and parents whose lives have been affected by burn injuries.  For more information and to access the website, go to Hexi: Burn Injuries.

For people affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN)

Online Teens Support

This free resource provide self-help specifically to support young people aged 12-17 with Congenital Melanocytic Naevi (CMN).  For more information, go to Caring Matters Now Online Teen’s Support Resource.

For people affected by craniosynostosis

Resources for adults

This is a series of short films and a booklet to support adults with craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions. For more information, and to access the films and booklet for free, go to Resources for Adults with Craniosynostosis (ACCORD).

Booklets for Parents 

This is a set of booklets for parents of children with craniosynostosis who have recently received a diagnosis and/or who are approaching their child’s first surgery. For more information, and to access the booklets for free, go to Resources for Adults with Craniosynostosis (ACCORD).

For people affected by eczema

Eczema Wellbeing Support

This free resource helps children and young people to manage the emotional and social challenges of eczema, such as low mood, anxiety, social engagement, and appearance concerns. For more information and to access the resource, go to Eczema Outreach Support Wellbeing Resources.

Eczema Care Plans

These plans offer clear, manageable treatment guidance to help look after childhood eczema, making treatments easy to understand. For more information, and to access the care plans for free, go to Eczema Care Plans.