The CLEFT Student Section: Engaging the future of cleft through fundraising; Structure of the section and results from inaugural year.

Background: There is a disparity in access, quality, and sustainability of cleft care in low and middle income countries, where burden of disease is greatest. CLEFT-Bridging the Gap (registered charity number: 1194581) is a UK-based charity that aims is to solve this through teaching, empowerment and development of sustainable cleft services. A Student Section, composed of medical, dental and speech and language therapy students, was established to support these endeavours through fundraising.

Aims: 1) examine effectiveness of the Student Section, 2) explore students' perception of cleft care, 3) provide a framework for similar groups.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey study design. Likert-Scale responses to questions regarding organisation and experience of the section were collected. Data was analysed using Chi statistical test, ordinal data assessed using Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test.

Results: 40/64 ambassadors responded to the survey. 90% had a positive perception on the organisation of the section, this correlated with group size (p = 0.012) and number of fundraising events organised (p = 0.032). 85% had an overall positive experience, scores for consideration of a career in cleft significantly improved from 2.25 (95%CI: 1.95-2.55) to 3.30 (95%CI: 3.03-3.57) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study presents the first example of a nationwide student group involved with a charitable cleft organisation.