Why we need you

At Alopecia UK, we understand the importance of feeling connected to others experiencing hair loss. Our volunteer-led, peer support groups located across the UK provide an opportunity for adults and children affected by alopecia to meet, chat and find mutual support with others going through a similar situation.

Now that our face-to-face support groups are up and running again, we thought this would be a great time to start welcoming new group leads into the charity.

Can you help us be there for people who need a helping hand in their alopecia journey?

The areas in which we would like to actively set up new groups/areas we wish to cover are: 

• Children's and Teens groups - we would like more children's/teens groups across the UK
• Adult Groups
  • South East of England - Hampshire, West or East Sussex
  • South West of England - Dorset 
  • East of England - Norwich, Peterborough or Cambridge
  • Wales - Cardiff
  • Yorkshire and Humber - Leeds (to take over from an existing lead)
  • North West of England - Liverpool
  • North East of England - Newcastle,  Middlesborough 
  • Scotland - Edinburgh (taking over from an existing lead)
  • Northern Ireland - please enquire 

What does an AUK group leader do?

Running a local support group can be incredibly rewarding, and the role can fit around your personal commitments.

Typically, all it takes to be a group leader is 1-2 hours per week and you’ll be:

• Organising and facilitating 4 meetings per year (2 for our children's/ teens groups)
• Offering a compassionate and understanding ear to people affected by alopecia
• Checking your Alopecia UK email inbox at least once a week, responding to any enquiries from people looking for support or information (any queries you cannot help with can be passed to the charity staff team)

Who are we looking for?

• A friendly, welcoming and kind person with good listening skills who has some lived experience of alopecia (either personally or through supporting someone else with alopecia)
• Someone who is able to keep within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Ideally able to commit to at least one year initially.

Volunteers will be required to complete a reference check and an enhanced DBS form or the Scottish/NI equivalent, with re-checking taking place every 3 years.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• You’ll be making a real difference to people affected by alopecia
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing role development opportunities
• Ongoing support and supervision
• A small yearly budget to cover the cost of venue hire and expenses

Interested in joining the team?

In order to figure out if becoming a Support Group Leader is for you, take a few minutes to watch this video and read through the information on this page.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions. Otherwise, if you would like to apply to become a Support Group Leader, please complete our expression of interest form below. 

Complete an Expression of Interest Form

Here's what Elaine, Support Group Leader for Surrey says about being a Support Group Leader