Anaphylaxis UK: Let's Talk About Allergies

Living with allergies goes far beyond the physical symptoms. The unseen burden - constant hyper-vigilance, endless label checks, second-guessing social situations, and the strain placed on families - can feel overwhelming.
For Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, we are moving beyond the theory to focus on actionable, evidence-based tools. Clinical Psychologist James Dayer and Health Psychologist Chrissie Jones from the University of Surrey, part of our Knowledge Transfer Partnership project, join us to share practical strategies for calming allergy anxiety and building day-to-day confidence for you and your loved ones.
More resources:
For our previous episode on allergy anxiety and the research: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwhF-LqpOV4
Our resources for adults and parents of children with allergies: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/anxiety-and-allergies/
Find a support group: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/anaphylaxis-uk-support-groups/

From student flat kitchen politics to backpacking in South East Asia - living with serious allergies isn't just about reading food labels, it's about the mental load and preparation that comes with it.
For Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on what true inclusivity looks like. Living with serious allergies shouldn’t put invisible barriers in the way of university life, travel, dating, or starting a career.
In this episode, our Information Officer Emilia speaks with two young guests, Jamie & Alexei, to share their best tips on self-advocacy, handling friendships, and how mates can be top-tier allies.
Please note that the guests in this episode mention EpiPen as their brand of adrenaline device. There are two other brands available in the UK. These are Jext and EURneffy.
Find more resources and guidance at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
For guidance on managing allergies at university, visit: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-wit...
For travel tips, visit: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-wit...

Join Dr Adrian Sie, a leading consultant in paediatrics and allergy specialist, and Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise manager, as they discuss the often misunderstood topic of nut-free schools.
They’ll look at the common misconceptions made about nut-free environments and what the evidence tells us when it comes to making children safer in school. Both Adrian and Tracey share their expert perspectives on the pros and cons of nut-free environments. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or simply curious about the topic, this video offers valuable insights and information on one of the hottest debates in the allergy community.
For information on allergy training for schools: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/education/allergywise-for-schools-information/
Understand Benedict’s law and prepare for the changes and what to expect: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/education/benedicts-law/
Safer Schools resources from Anaphylaxis UK: https://anaphylaxis.org.uk/education/safer-schools-programme/

On 20 April 2026, the UK’s first-ever National Allergy Strategy was launched — a landmark moment for millions of people living with allergic disease.
Developed by the National Allergy Strategy Group, which brings together clinicians, patients, charities including Anaphylaxis UK and advocacy organisations across all four nations, the Strategy sets out a clear plan to improve allergy prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support across the UK. Its ambition is to reduce preventable harm, improve access to specialist care, tackle inequalities, and ensure allergy is recognised as the serious long-term health condition it is.
But now the Strategy has been launched, what happens next? What changes could people with allergies actually see in everyday life? And how do we make sure this becomes real action?
In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, we’re joined by Professor Adam Fox OBE, a leading Consultant Paediatric Allergist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Professor of Paediatric Allergy at King’s College London, and co-founder of London’s first specialist allergy hospital, the Allergy Centre of Excellence. Adam is Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Group and one of the leading voices behind the Strategy.
Adam explains what the Strategy proposes, why this moment matters, and answers some of the most common questions we’ve received from the allergy community. You can read the full National Allergy Strategy here: https://www.calameo.com/read/007980318fc08083c061b?authid=cq1m8JD4CeoH
Episode highlights:
01:34 - What is the National Allergy Strategy? 04:45 - What are the biggest gaps in allergy care? 08:26 - The strategies 5 goals 10:55 - Postcode lottery 13:22 - What are the recommended changes to specialist allergy care? 14:36 - Support for parents - weaning, transition to adult services 18:10 - Research into new treatments 20:35 - Which allergic conditions are included? 21:53 - Does this affect the food sector? 23:15 - Does this affect cosmetics and medicines? 24:22 - Will this be implemented in all four nations? 26:21 - What happens next? 28:50 - How can I get involved?

With National Weaning Week taking place from 13–17 May, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes from last year, packed with practical, evidence-based advice for parents. We’ve also pulled together some of the most common allergy-specific questions into this shorter version, making it even easier for families to find the information they need.
We’re joined by paediatric specialist dietitian Karen Wright, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, whose expertise in allergy spans both NHS practice and international research.
Karen explains why early, regular exposure to these foods is important for allergy prevention, how to spot signs of an immediate allergic reaction in infants, and when to seek medical help. She also discusses babies who may be at higher risk of developing allergies and offers practical tips for families already managing allergies at home.
For further guidance, visit our website’s Infant Weaning Guide, where you can download a step-by-step resource and access the latest recommendations from the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/infant-weaning/
Episode highlights:
00:56 – What is the likelihood that my child will have an allergic reaction? 01:46 – What are the best foods to introduce first?
04:22 – How often and how much of an allergen should I give my child?
06:46 – What makes a child higher risk for allergies?
08:30 – If my child is at higher risk, when should I start weaning?
10:50 – If a parent has a food allergy, is my child at higher risk?
13:23 – How can we safely wean if there are allergies in the household?
16:32 – What if my child doesn’t like the allergen?
18:45 – What’s the difference between gagging and an allergic reaction, and what should I do if I suspect a reaction?
22:15 – Does redness around the mouth indicate a reaction?
23:20 – Karen’s top tips for parents