Face to Face Support Group Leader with Alopecia UK

At Alopecia UK, we understand how powerful peer support can be. For many people affected by alopecia, having the opportunity to speak openly with others who truly understand can be incredibly reassuring and empowering. We know that alopecia can bring up a wide range of emotions, and being able to share those feelings, ask questions, and connect with others who simply "get it" can make a real difference.

Alopecia UK has a network of over twenty-five adult peer support groups across the UK, offering regular meet-ups for those affected by alopecia. These groups are led by dedicated volunteers—usually individuals with lived experience of alopecia themselves—who play a vital role in creating safe, welcoming spaces for conversation and connection.

As a Support Group Lead, you will take the lead in organising and delivering regular meetings, which includes finding and booking suitable venues, managing a dedicated AUK inbox, responding to enquiries, and sending updates to your group’s distribution list. On meeting days, you will welcome attendees and help to facilitate open, inclusive conversations among the group. While Support Group Leads are not trained counsellors, they offer valuable peer support by sharing their own experiences, providing a listening ear, and signposting to further resources where needed.

What You’ll be Doing:
Organise, coordinate, and deliver local support group meetings
Find and book suitable venues for meetings
Manage the Alopecia UK (AUK) support group inbox, responding to enquiries in a timely manner
Send out communications to the support group’s distribution list
Welcome attendees at meetings and help facilitate conversations within the group
Complete brief data collection forms following each meeting
Attend a short online induction and training session with the Volunteer Manager
Participate in regular support group lead team meetings and one-to-one check ins with the Volunteer Manager
Adhere to Alopecia UK policies and procedures at all times
Maintain appropriate boundaries with support group attendees

Experience required

Lived experience of alopecia, with the confidence and empathy to support others on their journey
Warm, friendly, and approachable, with strong communication and active listening skills
Willingness to openly share aspects of your own alopecia experience to help others feel less alone
Comfortable discussing sensitive and personal topics in a respectful and supportive manner
Reliable, compassionate, and non- judgemental, with a genuine desire to help others
Confident using a computer and accessing the internet, with basic tech skills to manage emails and online communications

Travel expenses

All support group costs will be covered.

Training details

Full induction and ongoing training will be available to all volunteers.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Availability

Frequency & commitment

Available to run at least 3 support group meetings per year. And undertake induction and ongoing training. Support group meeting dates/times are flexible and can be made to suit the volunteers other commitments.

I want to volunteer