This year we have been delighted to host three trips to UK zoos, bringing together children and adults affected by alopecia and their families. 

Attendees joined us at Bristol Zoo in August, Edinburgh Zoo in September, and Chester Zoo in October for a day of exploration, wildlife, and connection with the alopecia community. 

Across the three events, we welcomed 117 attendees, including 30 children, young people, and adults with alopecia. And the feedback has been fantastic: 

"Our daughter was diagnosed with alopecia areata earlier this year and it's been a whirl wind of information and stress. Finding Alopecia UK and going to the family meet-up has been a huge help for us and our daughter. The volunteers were absolutely brilliant. Your care and attention to our daughter was perfectly balanced for a child who's so young and your support to us as parents brings tears to my eyes. Thank you."

"The volunteers were so lovely, chatting away about their turbans and hairbands, even letting my daughter try theirs on for size so we could order her the same ones. As a mum, it was the loveliest moment to see my wee girl happy in her own skin and at ease ith the world - I honestly can't thank you enough. My daughter say she wants to volunteer for AUK when she is old enough."

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the fun, and our 11 brilliant volunteers without whom it would not be possible to run these events. 

We are still exploring options for further community events in 2026...watch this space! 

Here are some photos from the recent meet-ups: 

Bristol - August 2025

Edinburgh - September 2025

Chester - October 2025

Thank you the Access Foundation for providing Alopecia UK with funding to offer free & subsidised tickets for children with alopecia and their families.