Operation Smile UK

Operation Smile UK We’re grateful to medical volunteers, partners and generous supporters.
(1)

Children's medical charity providing free, safe surgery to children born with cleft conditions in more than 35 countries around the world where healthcare is harder to access.

This International Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the extraordinary contribution of our volunteers who give their tim...
03/06/2026

This International Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the extraordinary contribution of our volunteers who give their time, expertise and compassion to support our medical programmes around the world. 💙

Hear from three of our incredible volunteers about why they love volunteering for Operation Smile UK, and how your support is changing the lives of patients, families and their communities.

Please join us in celebrating them! 🎉

Zander’s new smile is lighting up his family’s world! 😁Born in Belize with a cleft condition and no local specialists ne...
02/06/2026

Zander’s new smile is lighting up his family’s world! 😁

Born in Belize with a cleft condition and no local specialists nearby, Zander and his mother Cristavel made a courageous journey across the border to Guatemala for the care he needed. After two surgeries, their hope and confidence have grown stronger than ever, and they feel optimistic about the future.

Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, donors and partners, children like Zander can access life-changing surgery – no matter where they come from. Thank you. 💙

Read Zander's heart-warming story: https://www.operationsmile.org.uk/stories/a-life-changing-journey-for-zander/

Every single day, our dedicated volunteer surgeons at Operation Smile are helping to change children’s lives around the ...
29/05/2026

Every single day, our dedicated volunteer surgeons at Operation Smile are helping to change children’s lives around the world.

Surgery can give a child the chance to smile confidently, eat more easily, speak clearly and thrive.

This Global Surgery Day, we’re shining a light on one of our many incredible volunteer surgeons, Dr Ankur. With a career spanning 25 years in the NHS, the RAF and global volunteering programmes, Dr Ankur reflects on life-changing surgeries, unforgettable patients and a life dedicated to service. Not even an earthquake can stop him!

Read about Dr Ankur’s experiences:
https://www.operationsmile.org.uk/stories/a-lifetime-of-service/

28/05/2026

Recently we’ve been sharing news of patient Dayana and volunteer surgeon Dr Valeri, as part of our Spring Appeal.

Born in Guatemala, Dayana was 11 years old before she could access cleft surgery. She’d spent most of her life indoors. But when her mum Eluvia found out about Operation Smile, everything changed. She now goes to school, and dreams about becoming a doctor herself.

It’s wonderful to see how Dayana’s experience has inspired so many of you to donate to Operation Smile.

Thank you and, if you haven’t already, there’s still time… just click the link to donate now.
http://bit.ly/4v9sGZi

Cut through the news with something to brighten your day. 💙Take a break from the headlines and enjoy inspiring stories o...
27/05/2026

Cut through the news with something to brighten your day. 💙

Take a break from the headlines and enjoy inspiring stories of hope, resilience, and life-changing care from Operation Smile.

💌 Sign up to our enews now:
https://bit.ly/operationsmileemailfb

Happy Africa Day! 🌍Today, we’re celebrating the people, partnerships, and communities helping bring new smiles and brigh...
25/05/2026

Happy Africa Day! 🌍

Today, we’re celebrating the people, partnerships, and communities helping bring new smiles and brighter futures across the continent.

Together with local healthcare teams and volunteers, Operation Smile is supporting children and families through comprehensive cleft care.
From training the next generation of healthcare professionals to delivering life-changing care, we’re helping build stronger health systems for generations to come.

Dayana’s smile tells a story of hope and transformation. 💙Since her surgery, she has grown into a confident young woman ...
21/05/2026

Dayana’s smile tells a story of hope and transformation. 💙

Since her surgery, she has grown into a confident young woman with big dreams for her future, inspired by the care that changed her life.
Her story shows the incredible possibilities that arise when children receive the support they need.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners, these life-changing journeys are possible – creating new smiles and building brighter futures full of promise.

Read her full story on our website:
https://www.operationsmile.org.uk/stories/after-11-years-hope-emerges-for-a-daughter-and-her-mum-2/

20/05/2026

“Dayana is a very special patient.”

A maxillofacial surgeon from Ecuador, Dr. Valeri Paredes has volunteered on surgical programmes across the world, bringing his skills and compassion to every setting he works in. Today, he plays a vital role in training the next generation of cleft surgeons, emphasising not only surgical skill but also a commitment to lifelong learning and growth. 😁

At Operation Smile, education and training are at the heart of what we do. Through our medical education programmes, we support health workers by providing the mentorship and tools they need to deliver high-quality care in their communities.

We’re proud to work alongside leaders like Dr. Valeri who are advancing care and transforming lives. 💙

It was great to be featured in The Lancet Group World Report for our work in Peru, highlighting how our volunteers and l...
19/05/2026

It was great to be featured in The Lancet Group World Report for our work in Peru, highlighting how our volunteers and local partners are working alongside the Ministry of Health to strengthen health systems, build surgical capacity, and expand access to cleft care closer to where patients and families live.

A big thank you to The Lancet and Operation Smile for highlighting the incredible work of our teams, volunteers and local partners across Peru, who are changing the lives of children and adults with cleft conditions worldwide.

Read more: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00971-2/fulltext

Address

Genoa House, Juniper Drive
London
SW181FY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Operation Smile UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share