Alopecia UK is a small charity working to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia. The charity has aims around Support, Awareness and Research.

Alopecia UK relies on the support of fundraisers and donors to continue the fantastic work it does.

*SEPTEMBER IS ALOPECIA AWARENESS MONTH*

*TO 'GO THE DISTANCE' FOR ALOPECIA THIS SEPTEMBER, I AM GOING TO BE RUNNING THE TORBAY 10K ON THE 29TH SEPTEMBER* (disclaimer: Alopecia UK and the Torbay 10k are not linked - it is my own fundraiser for my journey)

So why support Alopecia UK?

Because we believe people with alopecia are worthy of so much more than they receive, and Alopecia UK is a charity worth supporting. People with alopecia have been overlooked for too long and this September we want to shed light on the issues that our community and our small charity are facing.

People with alopecia continue to face huge challenges, including but not limited to:

*Difficulties in getting to specialist referral from GP.
*Unacceptably long waiting times for dermatology appointments
*Some NHS Trusts/ICBs withdrawing dermatology referrals for alopecia patients.
*Some NHS Trusts/ICBs ceasing NHS Wig Provision, despite our work on the Charter for Best Practice for NHS Wig Provision.
*Challenges in accessing mental health support.
*Difficult interactions in schools and workplaces.
*Societal stigma that comes with living with a visible difference.

People affected by alopecia deserve better.

Alopecia UK has its own challenges too, including but not limited to:

*Continued impact of cost-of-living crisis resulting in a drop in donations.
*Rising running costs alongside a reducing income.
*Increased need for our support services in light of the challenges being experienced within healthcare.

We remain an ‘unpopular’ cause that is unlikely to receive support from outside of the alopecia community who understand that its ‘more than just hair’.

People affected by alopecia deserve to have an organisation, with the resources it needs, working on their behalf.

Our community is worthy of better care, fairer treatment pathways, increased understanding from public and professionals, reduced societal stigma, and a charity with sufficient resources to support those in need.

Alopecia UK is worthy of donations, fundraising, volunteer support, and for our charity to be championed not only in September but all year round.

We are worth it.
Alopecia UK will be sharing content this September that not only reflects the challenges that people with alopecia face, but also celebrates the resilience and fortitude of our incredible community.

Thank you for supporting me with my fundraising efforts. I really appreciate your support and so does Alopecia UK! Amy Mifsud