Join CleftPALS!

The benefits of joining CleftPALS (Vic)

New: join CleftPALS online through our Online Shop!

As a member of CleftPALS Vic, you will:

• Receive the Victorian newsletter. The newsletter comes out four times a year and is full of information relevant to clefts – from both professionals and parents.  Newsletters also contain important dates for specialist speakers and events where you can meet other cleft affected families.

• Have the opportunity to attend meetings and social events. General meetings are held regularly at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, or Monash Medical Centre.  Professionals talk about topics relevant to clefts – in the past we’ve had plastic surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, ear nose & throat (ENT) specialists. Refreshments are provided and you will have the chance to talk to other families. Swap experiences and pick up advice to help you manage your child’s condition.  Remember, the sharing helps.

• Have access to assistance, guidance and advice from a Contact Parent on the day-to-day management of children with cleft conditions, including feeding, sugeries, and emotional issues.

• Be able to purchase special bottles and teats at discount rates. Some feeding equipment is available exclusively through CleftPALS, and some bottles and teats (such as the Special Needs Feeder) are available at substantially reduced prices. Thanks to Fisher & Paykel for their kind support of CleftPALS members.

• Be eligible to join the Cleftstars group for young people.  Cleftstars is for cleft affected people and their families aged 9 to 20 years. Boost self-esteem by meeting other cleft affected people. Participate in social activities and facilitated discussion forums including interaction with health professionals who specialise in working with clefts.

• Be actively helping CleftPALS, which is a volunteer organisation, to:

* support the welfare of children with cleft conditions

* lobby for improvements to the Medicare cleft scheme, and

* help families who need someone to share their experiences.

Membership details

• Membership is only $30 per year, or $90 for a lifetime family membership
• To join, download the Membership Application Form and return to PO Box 2352, Oakleigh Vic 3166

CleftPALS also operates in other states around Australia. If CleftPALS is not available in your state you are welcome to join CleftPALS Victoria.

Privacy Policy

CleftPALS values the privacy of its members and those to whom it provides support and/or information. It is for this reason that we have developed this policy and accompanying procedures. We firmly stand behind the 10 National Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act, though they do not apply specifically to CleftPALS. This means that we are committed to only collecting necessary information, ensuring that it is correct and secure and using it in a transparent manner for its intended purpose only.