This month, representatives from Alopecia UK have attended two very different conferences. 

From 9th-10th October, our Trustee Lynn Wilks was at the ICC Wales for the Royal College of General Practitioners' (RCGP) annual conference. For the past few years, the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has kindly funded the costs associated with having a stand at the conference, so that patient support groups (PSGs) representing skin conditions can raise awareness. 

This year, Alopecia UK volunteered to facilitate the PSG stand. Lynn was joined by our volunteer Sally for one of the two days. Lynn and Sally had many conversations with GPs, including lots of trainee GPs which is encouraging. It is important that GPs have a recognition of the psychological impact of dermatology conditions, including alopecia, and an awareness that there are some fantastic charities providing services that can help their patients. Thanks to BAD for funding this valuable stand. 

On Monday this week, our Events Manager Naomi Hall attended Salon International, the leading hairdressing trade show in the UK. Alopecia UK was invited by Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong to take part in the DOSE Symposium's panel, It Never Is 'Just Hair'. Naomi was joined by hairdressers Zoe Irwin and John Vial for a panel discussion moderated by Alopecia UK's friend (and former staff team member) Dr Kerry Montgomery.

The talk included how hairdressers can improve experiences for clients with hair loss, and the importance of signposting to support charities like Alopecia UK. 

Naomi also had the chance to catch up with Matthew from GHOSTBOND/Scruffy Hair Company, a Diamond Sponsor from our recent Big Weekend event, who were in attendance in the Salon International Exhibitor's Hall. 

Two different conferences with very different audiences but we know that GPs and hairdressers are both important groups to benefit from alopecia awareness and education.