Alopecia UK Celebrates Volunteers' Week 2025

This week, we are proud to be celebrating Volunteers' Week 2025, marking 41 years of the annual UK-wide campaign that recognises the contributions of volunteers. 

Throughout the week on our social media channels, we'll be shining a spotlight on a few of our amazing volunteers and the vital work they do. For those not on social media, we have brought some of these stories together here too!

Jonathan - Our Events Photographer Volunteer

My volunteering started through my nephew, who has alopecia universalis. My sister had been involved with Alopecia UK through the AUK support groups before they attended the charity's Alton Towers event back in 2017. During a conversation with one of the other volunteers, my sister mentioned that I do amateur photography and, not long after, I was asked if I’d like to come along in 2018 and take photos. I’ve been doing it ever since. I’ve also photographed AUK’s Big Weekend and Kingswood residential events. So really, it all came from family, and I’ve just stuck with it because I enjoy it and believe in what AUK does. 

It’s hard to choose one favourite moment from my time volunteering because I take so many photos, and I spend a lot of time editing them afterwards. However, what stands out most is seeing the same children and young people year after year and watching them grow up through the photos I capture. There’s something special about that – seeing their journey and confidence build. There’s one photo I remember in CBeebies Land from the early days, and now that young person is a teenager. It’s moments like that – the smiles, the connection, the sense of belonging – that stick with me. I love capturing the fun, energy, and relaxed atmosphere everyone feels at these events.  

It’s really rewarding to know my photos support the work of the charity. I put a lot of care into editing the photos and ensuring the charity receives high-quality images they can use. I’ve even come across some of my photos unexpectedly, like once on BBC Look North when they used a headshot I took of a young girl with alopecia. I didn’t realise at first it was mine! Seeing my photos on the AUK website, on social media, or in the newsletters – it just feels good knowing I’ve been able to contribute something meaningful. It’s nice to think that what I do helps showcase the amazing work AUK is doing. 

To anyone thinking about volunteering, I'd say go for it! You don’t have to be a pro – just having a creative passion and a willingness to help makes a big difference. For me, it has been a genuinely positive experience. It’s pushed me out of my usual style – I normally shoot landscapes – and into capturing real moments between people. It’s made me see people differently and appreciate the beauty in all of us. If you have a skill and want to use it for good, I couldn’t recommend it enough. 

Judith - Kent West Support Group Lead

I started to volunteer as a Support Group Leader for Alopecia UK because of my personal struggles with coming to terms with my own alopecia.  As I'd battled so much, I wondered how others felt, and this gave me the push to want to support those going through similar experiences to me in a safe and protected environment.  I was blown away with the response of those wishing to attend, many more than I imagined contacted me, and I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg.   

I love our meetings, everyone is so supportive of one another, it is such an inclusive and caring atmosphere.  For those who have been unable to share their diagnosis and struggles, even with close friends, they feel they can their open up about their concerns, anxieties and challenges. Tears are shed, but through talking with those who 'get it' and understand how it feels to suffer from alopecia, healing takes place.  I have seen many come to their first meeting head down and shoulders scrunched up, anxiety written all over their face, but they leave head held high, shoulders relaxed and a smile on their face.   

At my very first meeting one of the attendees was really struggling with her situation and at the end of the meeting, just as she was leaving the building, she turned round to me and gave me a massive big hug and most heartfelt thank you.  I knew then that just having space to talk with others who understand what you are going through is vitally important - it was the encouragement I needed to keep going.....and this scenario has repeated itself many times. 

For me this role takes up my personal time and sometimes is extremely emotional, but the reward of seeing someone change in a meeting before my eyes, and then return to another meeting looking so different from the first time they walked through the door is beyond amazing.  It's a simple formula, prepare a safe space, with tea and cake, but it becomes a place where people feel empowered to share their deepest concerns and a transformation in their lives takes place.  This is why alopecia support groups are so important and this is why I volunteer. 

Gaileen - Sunderland Support Group Lead

I was inspired to become a Support Group Leader for Alopecia UK because I understand first-hand how isolating and overwhelming the experience of hair loss can be.  I wanted to create a safe, understanding space where others could share openly, find comfort and gain strength from each other.  It's important for me to help others feel seen, supported and empowered on their own journey.   

I do find one of the most challenging things is getting them through the door sometimes as it’s very nerve racking for them to join a new group. 

However, I also find one of the most rewarding things in this role is seeing their faces as they walk through the door and how their body just relaxes into the group session with total ease of no judgement and their freedom to open up and even shed a tear if that's what they need to do.   

One conversation that has stuck with me these past few weeks was a lady that came and she really opened up about her experiences and was very emotional and when she left she said. 'I don't feel alone anymore' that's enough for me to do this. 

Thank you to Jonathan, Judith, Gaileen, and ALL our volunteers for everything they do for Alopecia UK. Trustees, support group leads, Facebook group moderators, Lay Research Panel, event volunteers, online support group facilitators and more - we appreciate each and every one of you.