FAQs

How did Blue Peter choose Operation Smile as the appeal charity?

Send a Smile is Blue Peter’s 48th annual appeal and Operation Smile is honoured to be selected as the appeal charity. Since 1963 the programme has worked with a wide range of different charities, both here at home in the UK and overseas in countries where people need help. Charities apply to be the appeal partner by sending in a proposal.  Blue Peter invites the best of these to come for an interview at the BBC Television Centre. A panel then decides which charity would make the best partner. The process is overseen by the BBC Appeals Advisory Committee. For more information and to see the current application guidelines for 2009/2010, visit the BBC's Charity Appeals page.

I’ve made a gown, can I have a blue peter badge?

Unfortunately, badges aren’t awarded for helping with appeals, because Blue Peter believes it is important for everyone to participate and help others. However, the programme will be awarding badges to children who write in with interesting letters and stories about what they’ve done to help, good ideas for the programme, or drawings, pictures, stories or poems with an appeal theme. If you’d like to submit a piece of work that explains what you’re doing to help the Send a Smile Appeal, please visit the Blue Peter website for more details.

I’ve made a hospital gown, can I be on the show?

The Blue Peter production team invites contributors to appear on Blue Peter if they have an interesting item or story that would be exciting on television. Although it’s great that you’ve supported Send a Smile, this would not in itself merit an invitation to appear. If you’d like to tell Blue Peter in detail why you think you could appear, please visit its website and go to the ‘contact us’ section.

I’ve made a gown for Send a Smile, can I meet the presenters?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible for you to meet Andy, Helen and Joel. They have such busy filming and studio schedules that they aren’t able to commit themselves to a meeting. Blue Peter would hate to let you down at the last minute, as presenters’ commitments to Blue Peter have to come first.

Can I be in the audience for the next Blue Peter?

Sorry, but Blue Peter isn’t filmed in front of an audience.

Can I visit the children I’m helping?

Not in person, but you will be able to see on this website how your support is making a difference, and Blue Peter promises to go and show how you’ve helped, once the Send an Smile appeal has finished.

Where can I get more information about cleft palates and cleft lips?

You can download or view factsheets in the Teachers and Grown-Ups page of this website. If you want to find out even more then visit the About Us section of the Operation Smile website. 

How can I get instructions on how to make a gown?

You can either watch a short video showing you how to make a gown, or you can print off the step by step instructions. Both can be found on the Teachers and Grown-Ups page of this website.

When will the appeal be completed?

The appeal runs from November 2009 to 31 October 2010, so we’ll be collecting the gowns that you’ve made right until then. However, the children we’re helping need your assistance as soon as possible, so we’d really love it if you can get involved making gowns as soon as you can!

If your question isn’t answered in the FAQ’s above, then please send an e-mail to our Send A Smile Coordinator.