Alopecia UK Big Weekend 2019 to be Held in Bristol

The annual Alopecia UK Big Weekend convention will be held 27th to 29th September 2019, in Bristol.

This popular event, held during Alopecia Awareness month, is an informative, inclusive and fun weekend for those affected - either directly or indirectly - by hair loss from various forms of the autoimmune disorder Alopecia Areata.

Adults, teens and children are all welcome, with special programmes including workshops, exhibitor demonstrations, games and talks tailored to each of these attendee groups.

Meet others who 'just get it'

To announce this year's event Alopecia UK listed nine reasons why those with, or supporting someone with, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis or Alopecia Universalis may wish to attend, on their social media channels.

These were, in reverse order...

9. Find out about products and services that can help

8. Learn new skills

7. Make new friends

6. Socialise and have fun!

5. Feel comfortable to do something different

4. Build your confidence

3. Listen to talks from experts in alopecia

2. Meet others who 'just get it'

1. End the weekend feeling uplifted and inspired!

Importance of peer support

Whilst the educational elements and practical advice are undoubtedly helpful for people with alopecia, simply being in safe space with others who are all going through the same issues can be a huge comfort.

The ability to ditch the wig or headscarf and go 'au naturel' for a weekend is something many people may not feel able to do in their everyday lives. These types of gatherings can, therefore, be an invaluable release and great source of peer support.

Research has shown that people with Alopecia Areata are more prone to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, so opportunities for these types of group gatherings, as well as professional advice on coping strategies - particularly for the forms where treatment is not yet possible (currently Alopecia Areata treatment is only generally successful for the basic scalp-only phenotype) - can be extremely uplifting.

The last day of the weekend sees attendees who wish to take part flood the banks of the River Avon with a 'sea of AUK blue tops' - blue being the main official colour of Alopecia UK - to help raise alopecia awareness - as well as for some picturesque photo opportunities!

Tickets to the event, which will be held at the Bristol Marriott Hotel in Bristol city centre, can be purchased via the Alopecia UK website where all necessary information and a brochure of the weekend's events is also available.