Gary aims to make visible difference in new campaigner role

Leadership mental health advocate Gary Parsons has been named one of the newest campaigners for a programme which aims to challenge the stigma attached to people with visible differences.

Gary has joined Changing Faces UK, which brings together people with visible differences who are passionate about challenging stigma, influencing change, and creating greater representation.

Over a two-year term, campaigners receive training and support to share their lived experiences and contribute to national campaigns such as Face Equality Week, Stop the Stare and I Am Not Your Villain.

Gary, who has lived with Bell’s palsy for more than 20 years, said: “Only five years ago I was hiding my face and my voice.

“Since then, I’ve shared my story on Channel 4, and now I’m proud to be an official campaigner for Changing Faces UK.

“I want to keep using my voice for good, challenging stigma and creating change.”

This new role follows Gary’s feature on Love My Face, the Channel 4 documentary series aired in April, where he shared his experience of living with a visible difference.

His involvement with Changing Faces continues that passion for storytelling – not only telling his own but encouraging and supporting others to share theirs.

Alongside this, Gary will continue his work with Facial Palsy UK, where he volunteers as a lead volunteer helping to launch and support initiatives such as the new men’s group, aimed at encouraging more men to access vital peer support.

Gary co-founded and scaled a multi-award-winning business before shifting his focus to leadership wellbeing and advocacy.

Today, through his work as a professional speaker, mentor and campaigner, he helps break the stigma around both mental health and visible difference.

As part of Changing Faces, Gary will work alongside other campaigners to amplify voices from the visible difference community and push for more inclusive attitudes in workplaces, media, and society at large.