Scarborough hosts first alopecia camp

It is the first event of its kind in the UK.

July 2010

Alopecia affects more than three million people across Britain.

Premature hair loss is a medical treatment but many sufferers believe that the psychological effects are ignored.

On July 30 children, men and women, from all corners of the UK will be attending a camp in Scarborough to meet and share stories with others suffering with the hair loss condition.

It is the first event of its kind in the UK.

The camp has been organised by the Bebold Support Group and Alopecia Awareness and the two support groups are thrilled to be combining forces to help as many people as possible.

Michelle Chapman from Alopecia Awareness said: "I never had this kind of opportunity when I was a child growing up with alopecia.

"If I'd had the chance to meet others living with hair loss, it would have made a huge positive difference to me and my family. Instead, I felt as if I was the only bald girl in the world.

"These children and adults will have the chance to spend time with people who truly understand and never feel as alone and embarrassed as I did."

Janice Broadhurst, from York, was diagnosed with alopecia ten years ago. She welcomes the camp and says many of the youngsters are truly inspiring:

"It is so difficult for an adult to come to terms with this condition, I can't imagine what it is like for many of the children who will be attending the camp.

"I was on holiday when it happened, I just lost my hair completely and virtually overnight. It was really tough to come to turns with it. It was like a bereavement."

Psychological impact

Janice said she coped by turning it into a joke and just carrying on but she admits that eventually it all became too much for her.

"I ended up with very bad stress and had to take time off work for a while. There is no real explanation of why it happens which makes it much harder to deal with."

Janice believes that more psychological help should be provided to people when they're diagnosed.

"Doctors treat it as a medical condition, which of course it is, but the psychological impact is huge.

"Your hair is so much a part of you and how you look. Losing my hair had an enormous impact on my own self esteem.

"It would have really helped if someone had been there to talk you through those emotions.

"I really hope that the camp this week will offer some much needed support to the people attending."