How Schools Can Keep Children with Allergies Safe: Practical Tips for Staff
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we’re joined once again by Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK and leader of the Safer Schools Programme. With her extensive 15 year experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with serious allergies, Tracey shares practical advice for schools on how to keep children with serious allergies safe.We discuss how schools can start open conversations with parents, gather essential information, and create a culture of allergy awareness without singling out children with allergies. Tracey also covers the importance of regular staff training, emergency preparedness—including adrenaline access—and best practices for managing catering, classroom activities, and transitions between year groups.Whether you’re a teacher, school nurse, catering manager, or a parent, this episode is packed with actionable tips and resources to help your school develop confident, inclusive allergy management, so that all children are safe and feel included.For more information, visit our Safer Schools Programme and discover how AllergyWise training can support your whole school community.For the resources discussed in the episode visit:Allergy training for schoolsAllergy action plansPodcast episode on managing allergies during school eventsAllergy management education newsletter sign upFree school resources to download
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Preventing Food Allergies in Children: Expert Advice on Early Steps, Skincare and Weaning
In this episode we’re joined by Professor Helen Brough, a leading Paediatric Allergy and Immunology specialist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Professor at King’s College London, and founder of Children’s Allergy Doctors, a specialist private paediatric allergy clinic.Professor Brough shares her expertise on preventing allergies in children, drawing on her extensive clinical and research experience. We discuss why allergy prevention is such an urgent public health issue, how eczema and skincare play a crucial role, the importance of early and regular introduction of allergenic foods, and further practical steps parents can take to reduce their child’s risk of developing allergies.Whether you’re a parent, carer, or healthcare professional, this episode offers clear, evidence-based guidance and answers to the most common questions about allergy prevention in childhood.For the Allergy Prevention Guide discussed in the episode visit: Preventing Food Allergies in Babies: A Practical Guide for ParentsFor our podcast episode on allergies and infant weaning visit: Infant Weaning & Allergies: How to Introduce Allergens Safely and Prevent Food AllergiesOther helpful resources:Children's Allergy Doctor: Allergy InsightsThe Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Children’s Eczema at HomeBSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Your BabyBSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Higher Risk Infants: Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
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Infant Weaning & Allergies: How to Introduce Allergens Safely and Prevent Food Allergies
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies we celebrate #NationalWeaningWeek by guiding you through the exciting—and sometimes nerve‑wracking—journey of introducing solid foods to your baby. We're joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Karen Wright, senior research fellow at the University of Southampton, whose allergy expertise spans NHS practice and international research.Together we unravel the myths and jargon around weaning, guiding you with clear, evidence‑based advice on recognising when your little one is ready for solids and how to introduce common allergens—like peanuts, eggs, fish and dairy—safely and confidently.Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is key to allergy prevention, how to spot an immediate‑type allergic reaction in an infant, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses the needs of babies at higher risk of developing allergies and shares practical tips for families already managing allergies at home.For further guidance, head to our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step‑by‑step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.Let’s make those first bites joyful, confident and allergy‑aware.
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Anaphylaxis UK’s Next Step: Addressing the Emotional Impact of Allergies
Living with serious allergies isn't just a physical challenge—it can take a significant emotional toll. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we explore an innovative new initiative from Anaphylaxis UK aimed at tackling allergy-related anxiety.Funded by Innovate UK, through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of Surrey, this programme will develop resources and support services to help individuals manage the psychological impact of living with allergies.Joining us are Anaphylaxis UK’s Chief Executive Simon Williams, counselling psychologist Dr. Erin Alford, and allergy psychology expert Prof. Chrissie Jones. Together, they discuss why allergy anxiety is often overlooked, what practical strategies can help, and how this programme aims to provide long-term support for those affected.Tune in to learn how this initiative could transform allergy care and ensure that no one faces the hidden battle with allergies alone.
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Preparing for Secondary School with Food Allergies
Discover essential strategies for managing allergies as your child transitions to secondary school in this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies. The move from primary to secondary education brings new challenges for families dealing with allergies, but with proper preparation, you can ensure your child's safety and inclusion.Join us as we welcome back Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With her extensive experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with severe allergies, Tracey offers invaluable insights on navigating this crucial transition.Learn about the key differences in allergy management between primary and secondary schools, and ways to empower your child to take more responsibility for their allergy management.For more information on how to manage allergies at school, visit out Safer Schools Programme. The information and resources in this programme will support your school to develop best practice policies and procedures to ensure children with allergies are managed safely. This includes the importance of whole school allergy awareness, information about our AllergyWise® for Schools online training course with, best practice resources, such as a model policy for allergy management at school, a downloadable allergy awareness assembly presentation, information about spare pens in schools, responsibilities, allergy bullying, FAQs for schools, plus more!
Welcome to the Anaphylaxis UK Podcast ‘Let's Talk About Allergies’, your go-to resource for all things related to serious allergies. Our episodes raise awareness about anaphylaxis, provide expert answers to common questions, and offer insights into daily life with allergies. Our goal is to educate, support and foster a sense of community, helping those with allergies feel informed and less isolated. Tune in to learn about recognising and treating anaphylaxis and living confidently with allergies.Visit our website for more resources: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/
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