Anaphylaxis Campaign

Supporting people at risk of severe allergies

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Health in Schools in Wales

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The National Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee are looking at the Welsh Government’s proposal for a new law: the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill.

The proposed new law will replace the current term ‘Special Educational Needs’ (SEN) with ‘Additional Learning Needs’ (ALN); it will remove the system of statements and instead give every learner with ALN the same type of Individual Development Plan; require local government and health bodies to work more closely together; and improve the information and advice on offer to families.

At the moment, the reforms don’t include medical conditions. There is now an opportunity for children with medical conditions at schools to have the same protection in legislation as those with disabilities, learning difficulties and sensory impairments. We are working for this change, partnering with other leading health and children’s organisations in Wales to recommend that children with medical conditions are included. Welsh Government has said that if there’s a desire for it to be included, then it will reconsider its position.

Almost everyone believes the system for helping children and young people with these needs must be improved and the Welsh Government recognises this too. Now that there is a proposed new law to consider, Committee members at the Assembly want to hear from as many people as possible.

The survey below is a chance for you to tell them what you think about the way people and organisations working with children and young people should give them extra support with their learning, where they need this.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ALNET-Families?platform=hootsuite

Please complete the survey about your child or your experience of support in school. There is a free text box at the end where you can let the Committee know that you are responding about a medical condition and ask for this group to be included in the reforms. Please include this information, as well as any other useful background information for the Committee. This will help them to see why this is such an important issue.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign is an integral part of this campaign and our National Coordinator Mandy East will be giving evidence at the Welsh Assembly when they hear the Bill next month. If you would like to write to your AM about this issue and need any extra help or information please contact us at [email protected]

 

End of year message from Lynne Regent, CEO the Anaphylaxis Campaign

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The Anaphylaxis Campaign has a very busy and productive year in 2016 and I would like to thank everyone who has supported our charity, from our members, to our fundraisers to our volunteers – also everyone who has made a donation – thank you so much! We cannot campaign without your support.lynne_regent_photo-2014

  • We have continued to campaign in 2016 for people who are prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors to have two devices available to them at all times. We have had discussions with the Medicines Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) throughout the year and we will continue these important discussions in 2017.  You can read our latest update on our website.
  • A key campaign for us in 2016 has been our Anaphylaxis Matters Campaign – AIM. The objective of AIM is to increase knowledge of allergy in the UK so people are referred to specialists sooner and are also prescribed the medication they need.  In 2017 we will be launching an online tool to help you discuss with your GP your, or your child’s allergy, so watch this space!
  • This year we have published two editions of our magazine Outlook, you can read both the March  and September editions online.outlook_59
  • We continue to grow our network of support groups across the country, and we now have over 45 groups – all run by volunteers who are also affected by allergy, they have a real understanding of the anxiety and challenges severe allergies can cause. Find a support group near you here.
  • We have had some fabulous national press and TV coverage, including The One Show, The Daily Mail and the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2.
  • Our membership scheme continues to provide tailored support to families and individual living with severe allergy and the many challenges this brings. Our members also play a big part supporting our work and without them the charity simply could not exist.  If you would like to join us you can find out more and sign up today on our website.
  • bee-stings-daily-mail-jo-watersWe also have a very active Healthcare Professional membership scheme.  Our Healthcare Professional members include a wide range of medical professionals who work within the field of allergy.  They include school nurses, allergy nurses, GPs and Allergy specialists.
  • Our Corporate membership includes many companies who are involved in some way with the management of allergens and protecting their allergic customers. They include Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Cadbury’s, MEDA (who market EpiPen in the UK) and Waitrose.
In 2017 we need your support so we can continue our life saving work.  You can fundraise for us, take part in Orange Wig day or simply make a donation – everything helps.

On behalf of all my staff and the trustees of the Campaign I wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

 

Lynne Regent

Growing epidemic is a sting in the tail for wasp allergy sufferers

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Allergy sufferers are being urged to stay aware of the symptoms and signs of anaphylaxis as the UK moves into the height of wasp season.

The risk of getting stung by a wasp highest in September and the recent heatwave has intensified risk even further.

As the height of the wasp season approaches, a national campaign supported us is highlighting the dangers of anaphylaxis from wasp stings and the importance ofALK_Infographic_small_5 awareness, prevention and treatment options to beat the condition. The call from the charity comes in September, the month when wasps in the UK are most active and the most critical time to be vigilant against wasp sting allergies.

The prevalence of allergy in the UK has been increasing at an alarming rate over the last 20 years – so much so, that the number of hospitalisations caused by severe allergies have increased by seven fold in the last decade1.

Professor. Steve O’Hickey (Consultant with a special interest in Allergy) from Royal Worcester Hospital said: “The exact reason for this growing allergy epidemic across the UK is unclear, but it is likely attributable to three key factors: a general increase in incidence; an increase in the severity of these incidents; an increase in the complexity of these more severe and common incidents.

“Seasonal allergies, especially insect allergies, are becoming increasingly common and as the latter end of the summer approaches we do receive an increase in incidents of anaphylaxis as a result of wasp stings.

“Through the Bee Resistant campaign, we’re aiming to raise awareness by explaining the dangers and signs to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available within the NHS that can reduce the worry of sufferers and their families.”

To add to the woes of allergy sufferers, the recent heatwave is set to further increase the aggression and persistence of wasps – as it becomes uncomfortably hot for them inside their nests – meaning a higher chance of getting stung2. Hot weather also leads to improved breeding conditions for wasps and a higher prevalence of the insects they feed on, meaning they are more likely to thrive and be higher in numbers than would normally be the case.

Lynne Regent, CEO, Anaphylaxis Campaign said: “September is about enjoying the last of the warm weather but for those who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to a wasp sting in the past, it’s a time of increased anxiety as the chances of getting stung – potentially fatally – significantly increase.

“The Bee Resistant campaign is about raising awareness of anaphylaxis and educating the public on the dangers and symptoms to look out for, as well as the treatments that are available that can dramatically reduce the potentially life-threatening effects of getting stung.”

Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states stings caused more than 70% of all deaths from anaphylaxis in the UK between 1992 and 20013.

1% of the UK population is at risk of a sting that can provoke an allergic reaction and a small minority of these people will go on to develop the potentially fatal allergic symptoms of anaphylaxis4.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include itching commonly affecting the palms, soles, groin area and scalp, general hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, faintness or dizziness and a feeling of fear or impending doom.

In case of an emergency5:

  • If an adrenaline device is available, use it without delay if you believe the reaction is severe, or becoming severe
  • Dial 999 and call an ambulance immediately – say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis
  • Keep the patient as still as possible
  • If they recover quickly, it is still important to go to hospital for observation or visit their GP in case of delayed or repeated reactions

Local (i.e. at the site of the sting) allergic reactions do not require emergency treatment, cold compresses or pain killers can be used to quell the burning sensation caused by the sting. Keeping a swollen limb elevated can also help to ease the pain and antihistamines can be taken to help reduce swelling and itching. For people who suffer from a large local reaction, steroids can help to speed up the healing process. The earlier they are used the more effective they are. In the case of a larger reaction which may require steroids, always seek advice from a doctor or nurse first.

Sufferers who have experienced severe allergic reactions should be referred to an NHS allergy clinic for further assessment. In people with confirmed allergy, a longer term solution may be venom immunotherapy treatment (VIT) which can change the way a patient’s immune system reacts when stung and is effective in preventing anaphylaxis in the future.

VIT has to be administered in specialist clinics by medical professionals – there are about 60 NHS specialist allergy centres around the UK.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.beeresistant.com or follow us on Twitter @BeeResistant. If you are concerned about anaphylaxis, visit your GP or contact our helpline on 01252 542029.

Spare Pens in Schools

From 1st October 2017, the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 has allowed schools in the UK to buy adrenaline auto-injector devices (known as AAIs) without a prescription to use in an emergency on children who are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (known as anaphylaxis) but whose own device is not available or not working. This could be because their AAI(s) are broken, or out-of-date, for example.

Our helpline and information team have answered frequently asked questions we have received through our national helpline from school nurses and school staff about spare pens in schools and The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017. Links to guidance for schools and our top tips and advice are below.

The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 and available guidance

Does the change in legislation apply to all schools? E.g. nursery schools, primary and secondary schools, independent schools?

The change in legislation applies to local authority maintained nurseries, primary, secondary and special schools, academies, pupil referral units and independent schools in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland this applies to grant aided schools and independent schools as defined in the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986. The ‘Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014’ defined what the term ‘school’ means. This definition can be found here.

What guidance is available for schools across the UK?

England

The Department of Health has released non-statutory guidance called ‘Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools’ which explains good practice which schools in England should observe when using spare AAIs and can use to develop their own protocol or policies.

This guidance does not apply to schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is because devolved administrations have responsibility for issuing their own guidance. However, the principles in the English guidance are universal and based on recognised good practice.

Any policies developed in reference to ‘Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools’ must also be in line with statutory guidance which sets out what schools and local authorities must do to comply with the law, called ‘Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions‘.

Scotland 

The Scottish Government published ‘Guidance on Healthcare Needs in Schools‘ in December 2017 which is a guidance document for NHS Boards, education authorities and schools about supporting children and young people with healthcare needs in schools.

This guidance replaces the previous guidance on the administration of medicines in schools, which was published in 2001.

Wales

The document ‘Guidance on the use of emergency adrenaline auto-injectors in schools in Wales‘ is available on the Welsh Government’s Learning Wales website. The guidance applies to maintained nurseries, primary, secondary and special schools, pupil referral units (PRUs) and independent schools in Wales. A Welsh version is available here.

Northern Ireland

The guidance from the Department of Health in England has been adapted for Northern Ireland by the Department of Health, in partnership with the Department of Education, and should be read as an addendum to ‘Supporting Pupils with Medication Needs’.

The document ‘Guidance for use of AAIs in schools in Northern Ireland 2017’Guidance on the use of adrenaline-auto injectors (AAIs) in schools in Northern Ireland is available on the Department for Education, Northern Ireland website.

 

Obtaining, storing, administering and disposing spare adrenaline auto-injector(s)

How can my school purchase adrenaline auto-injector(s)?

The DOH Guidance on the use of adrenaline auto-injectors in schools 2017 sets out that schools can purchase AAIs from a pharmaceutical supplier, such as a local pharmacy, without a prescription, provided the general advice relating to these transactions are observed: i.e. small quantities on an occasional basis and the school does not intend to profit from it. A supplier will need a request signed by the principal or head teacher stating:

  • the name of the school
  • the purpose why the AAI(s) is/are required
  • the total number of AAIs required

A template letter which must be complete on headed school paper can be downloaded here.  It is also be available on the website www.sparepensinschools.uk.

How much will the adrenaline auto-injector(s) cost my school?

Pharmacies are not required to provide AAI(s) free of charge to schools, your school must pay for them as a retail item. The retail price is circa £26 and your local pharmacy may add a small handling charge.

We are aware that some schools are being charged substantially more than this. Please contact the Helpline on 01252 542029 or email [email protected] if you have concerns regarding the cost of AAIs.

What brands of adrenaline auto-injector(s) can be kept as spare within my school?

The adrenaline injectors prescribed in the UK at present are EpiPen® and Jext®.

Emerade devices in all doses (150mcg, 300mcg and 500mcg) have been recalled and are not currently available. Please see our Latest News pages for updates on adrenaline auto-injector availability here.

The decision as to how many AAIs and what brands to purchase will depend on the individual circumstances within your school. However, the Department of Health guidance advises:

“Where all pupils are prescribed the same device, the school should obtain the same brand for the spare AAI. If two or more brands are currently held by the school, the school may wish to purchase the brand most commonly prescribed to its pupils.”

The place where the adrenaline is administered is the same for all three injectors; Emerade®, EpiPen® and Jext® are injected into the muscle in the front quarter of the outer thigh. However, there is some variation in operating each AAI and training on each device should be given to all school staff who might be required to administer adrenaline in an emergency.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign provide online anaphylaxis awareness training through our FREE AllergyWise for Schools course and a “train the trainer” AllergyWise for Healthcare Professionals course.

You can also obtain trainer pens containing no needle or adrenaline from the manufacturers. More details about supplier websites and administering adrenaline are in our Factsheet.

Where should the spare adrenaline auto-injector(s) be stored?

Schools should ensure that all AAI devices – including those belonging to a younger child, and any spare AAI in the Emergency kit – are kept in a safe and suitably central location: for example, the school office or staffroom to which all staff have access at all times, but in which the AAI is out of the reach and sight of children.

They must not be locked away in a cupboard or an office where access is restricted. AAI(s) must be accessible and available for use at all times, and not located more than 5 minutes away from where they may be needed.

In larger schools, it may be prudent to locate a kit near the central dining area and another near the playground as more than one kit may be needed.

Who can the adrenaline auto-injector(s) be administered to?

In line with the recommendation from the Commission on Human Medicines the school’s spare AAI should only be used on pupils known to be at risk of anaphylaxis and for whom both medical authorisation and written parental consent for use of the spare AAI has been provided. The school’s spare AAI can be administered to a pupil whose own prescribed AAI cannot be administered correctly without delay.

In line with good clinical practice all pupils who are prescribed an AAI(s) should have an appropriate management plan. The pupil’s allergy management plan should incorporate both medical authorisation and parental consent for the use of the school’s spare AAI(s) and a copy should be shared with the pupil’s school. The BSACI have templates which can be used for this purpose, which can be downloaded at www.sparepensinschools.uk or the BSACI website.

If a child is having anaphylaxis but does not have a plan with medical authorisation and parental consent, schools should immediately call 999 and seek advice. If spare AAIs are available, mention this to the call handler/emergency medical dispatcher, as they can authorise use of the spare AAI if appropriate.

Who can administer the adrenaline auto-injector(s)?

Any member of staff may volunteer to take on this role. In many schools, it would be appropriate for there to be multiple designated members of staff who can administer an AAI to avoid any delay in treatment and ensure cover when staff are on leave.

Schools should ensure staff have appropriate training and support, relevant to their level of responsibility. The statutory guidance “Supporting pupils with medical conditions at school” requires governing bodies to ensure that staff supporting children with a medical condition should have appropriate knowledge, and where necessary, support.

The Department of Health has indicated it would be reasonable for ALL staff to:

  • be trained to recognise the range of signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction
  • understand the rapidity with which anaphylaxis can progress to a life-threatening reaction, and that anaphylaxis may occur with prior mild (e.g. skin) symptoms
  • appreciate the need to administer adrenaline without delay as soon as anaphylaxis occurs, before the patient might reach a state of collapse (after which it may be too late for the adrenaline to be effective)
  • be aware of the anaphylaxis policy
  • be aware of how to check if a pupil is on the register of pupils at risk of anaphylaxis
  • be aware of how to access the AAI
  • be aware of who the designated members of staff are, and the policy on how to access their help

The Anaphylaxis Campaign provide online anaphylaxis awareness training through our FREE AllergyWise for Schools course and a “train the trainer” AllergyWise for Healthcare Professionals course.

You can also obtain trainer pens containing no needle or adrenaline from the manufactures. More details about supplier websites and administering adrenaline are in our Factsheets.

How should a school dispose of adrenaline auto-injector(s)?

Once an AAI has been used it cannot be reused and must be disposed of according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Used AAIs can be given to the ambulance paramedics on arrival or can be disposed of in a pre-ordered sharps bin for collection by the local council.

Does the legislation change mean our pupils don't have to bring their own adrenaline auto-injector(s) to school?

The spare AAI is a spare or back up device and not a replacement for a pupil’s own medication. 

This is emphasised in the Department of Health guidance, which states:

“Children at risk of anaphylaxis should have their prescribed AAI(s) at school for use in an emergency. The MHRA recommends that those prescribed AAIs should carry TWO devices at all times, as some people can require more than one dose of adrenaline and the AAI device can be used wrongly or occasionally misfire.

Depending on their level of understanding and competence, children and particularly teenagers should carry their AAI(s) on their person at all times or they should be quickly and easily accessible at all times. If the AAI(s) are not carried by the pupil, then they should be kept in a central place in a box marked clearly with the pupil’s name but NOT locked in a cupboard or an office where access is restricted.

It is not uncommon for schools (often primary schools) to request a pupil’s AAI(s) are left in school to avoid the situation where a pupil or their family forgets to bring the AAI(s) to school each day. Where this occurs, the pupil must still have access to an AAI when travelling to and from school.”

Current advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency “Adrenaline auto-injector advice for patients” recommends that people with allergies and their carers should carry two adrenaline auto-injectors at all times, especially if they also have allergic asthma as they are at increased risk of experiencing a severe anaphylactic reaction.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign support the MHRA guidance. We actively campaign for people to be prescribed two AAIs and firmly recommend that once prescribed they should always be kept with the patient so they have access to them at all times. The reasoning behind two devices always being available is in case one is broken or misfires, or a second injection is needed before emergency help arrives.

After school clubs and out of school activities

Can after school clubs, such as girl guides or scouts, get adrenaline auto-injector(s) with this legislation change?

Where clubs occurs on school premises as part of official school activities, they can have access to the school’s spare AAI(s).

The change in legislation does not apply to other circumstances, and children at risk of anaphylaxis should have their own prescribed AAI(s) with them, in the event of a reaction.

What should happen when a pupil who is at risk of anaphylaxis goes on a school trip or attends a different school to take part in a sporting activity?

Schools should conduct a risk-assessment for any pupil at risk of anaphylaxis taking part in a school trip off school premises, in much the same way as they already do so with regards to safe-guarding.

Pupils at risk of anaphylaxis should have their AAI(s) with them, and there should be staff trained to administer AAI(s) in an emergency. Schools may wish to consider whether it may be appropriate, under some circumstances, to take spare AAI(s) obtained for emergency use on some trips.

 

Our FREE online anaphylaxis training course AllergyWise for Schools is designed to ensure that key staff in schools are fully aware of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, how to provide emergency treatment and the implications for management of severely allergic children from Key Stages 1 to 5 in an education setting. Find out more and register here.

 

European Medicines Agency (EMA) Review of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors

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On 25 June 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended several measures, including the introduction of more effective educational material, to ensure that patients and carers use adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) successfully.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are potentially life-saving treatments for anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) while the patient waits for emergency medical assistance.  In the UK the following brands are available –  Jext and EpiPen.

Emerade devices in all doses (150mcg, 300mcg and 500mcg) have been recalled and are not currently available. Read the latest statements on this in our Latest News section here.

The EMA carried out a review of adrenaline auto-injectors following concerns that currently available devices may deliver adrenaline under the skin instead of into a muscle, and this may delay response to treatment.

Having assessed all the available data, EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) acknowledged that giving the medicine by injection into the muscle is the preferred way to obtain a rapid response in anaphylaxis. However, the CHMP noted that several factors may affect whether adrenaline is actually delivered into a muscle; these include needle length, the thickness of fat under the skin, the way the auto-injector works (e.g. if it is spring loaded or not), the angle at which the device is placed on the skin and the force used to activate the device as well as how well the user follows the instructions for injection.

The CHMP also concluded that further data should be generated to better understand how adrenaline penetrates body tissues when given with each of the different auto-injectors.  This means there will be further clinical trials to try to establish his.

The CHMP recommendation was sent to the European Commission which endorsed it and issued a legally binding decision that is valid throughout the EU.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign has followed this through with the MHRA, and we will continue to keep you updated on this review.

Key points for people prescribed AAIs

  • Adrenaline auto-injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions, while the patient awaits emergency medical assistance. They are designed so that they can be easily used by the patient themselves or a carer
  • The review of adrenaline auto-injectors showed that patients could benefit from further training to use the auto-injector successfully.
  • You will receive training from your doctor or nurse on how to use your adrenaline auto-injector. Training devices are available so that you can practise with it before you need the auto-injector in an emergency. A training video will be produced to show you in detail how to use the injector properly. Please be aware that we also produce training called AllergyWise which contains comprehensive information on the correct use of AAIs in an emergency – this is available for free for our members.  Find out more here.
  • It is important that you use the auto-injector correctly so that the adrenaline is delivered into your muscle and works as quickly as possible.
  • If you have been prescribed an adrenaline auto?injector because you are at risk of severe allergic reactions, you should ensure you are familiar with it and carry it with you at all times.
  • It is likely that your doctor will recommend that you carry two injectors, in case a second dose is needed while you wait for emergency assistance. The Anaphylaxis Campaign actively campaigns that two devices are prescribed and carried at all times by patients.
  • Your family members, carers or teachers should also be instructed in the correct use of your auto-injectors.
  • If you have any question or concern, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact our helpline team – 01252 542029, email [email protected].

Brexit and the EU Food regulations – what next?

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June 2016

Following Britain’s exit from the EU, concerns have been raised as to whether the European Food Information for Consumers regulation (FIC), that became enforceable from December 2014, will still apply. We contacted the Food Standards Agency and received the following response from a spokesperson:

“The FSA’s priority is to ensure that food is safe; and consumers can make informed and safe food choices. Although the British public have voted to leave the EU, all existing legal requirements remain in force. The UK remains a member of the EU until it has negotiated its exit and will continue to comply with EU food and feed legislation during this time. All UK businesses will need to continue to comply with all EU legislation, including the allergen regulations.”

 

The Anaphylaxis Campaign supports the six year prison sentencing reached today on the Mohammed Zaman curry house case.

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A “reckless” restaurant owner has been jailed for six years for the manslaughter of a customer who had an allergic reaction to a curry.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-36360111

Lynne Regent, CEO, the Anaphylaxis Campaign said; “This appalling case highlights the challenges faced by food allergic customers. We feel this verdict gives a strong demonstration that the law will no longer tolerate businesses giving inaccurate or incomplete allergen information, which as this case proved, can be fatal for people who have a severe allergy. Our advice to people who have a severe allergy remains to take particular care when eating Indian, Chinese or Thai food, including takeaways.”

Learn more about the EU Food Information Regulations here.

If anyone has questions or concerns they can contact our helpline 01252 542029, email [email protected].

 

 

AllergyWise for Parents and Carers of Children with severe allergies

This free online e-learning course is designed for parents and carers of severely allergic children. This course aims to improve and update knowledge about the everyday management of severe allergies.

Topics include:

  • What happens in an anaphylactic reaction
  • Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
  • How and when to use adrenaline injectors, and how to care for these devices
  • Crisis management
  • The long-term management, such as avoidance of allergens
  • What you need to know to lessen the risk of a severe allergic reaction
  • Food labelling regulations in the UK and Europe
  • The role of parents and carers in enabling schools to support children who have severe allergies

Individuals can work through this course at their own pace, it will take around 1 hour to complete.  Upon successful completion of this AllergyWise course (75% pass rate) you can buy a certificate for £5 plus VAT for proof. There is a link at the end of the course.

To register for this course, go to our AllergyWise website.

 

Key facts

  • Costs: Free, optional certificate for £5 plus VAT
  • Type of course: Online e-learning
  • Time to complete: Approximately 45 minutes
  • Designed for: Parents and carers of children (ages 4-16) with severe allergies

Terms and Conditions

Our Posters

Tips to help children manage their allergies

 

Anaphylaxis Camapign Kids poster  Anaphylaxis Campaign Adult Poster  2  3  AIM poster4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on a image of a poster to download it as a PDF to your computer. We’d love you to print off some of these posters to distribute.

We are always looking for volunteers to put up our posters in their local areas — libraries, GP surgeries, schools etc. If you can help us please send an email to [email protected] and she will send you some posters. ‘What to do in an emergency’ is not available as a physical copy.

Allergy Buddy

Do you want to help those living with severe allergies and anaphylaxis but you’re unable to commit the time to setting up a support group? If so, why not become an Allergy Buddy?

What is an Allergy Buddy?

An Allergy Buddy is someone who offers support to people who are living with the day to day challenges of severe allergies and anaphylaxis. They provide support on a one to one basis, this can be done either via email or on the phone. Living with an allergy can be stressful. By sharing past experiences and offering support Allergy Buddies can show others that they are not alone and give them more confidence in managing allergies.

What do you need to know?

As an Allergy Buddy you need to be confident in offering support and advice to those living with severe allergies and anaphylaxis. As a new buddy you would initially have a chat with our friendly Information Team who would provide you with advice on how best to support people who may come to you.

New Allergy Buddies can also complete our free AllergyWise online training for Adults with severe allergies, Parents and carers of school age children and Families and Carers of Pre-School Children, to help them feel more confident when providing support.

Sounds good? Get in touch!

If you would like to become an Allergy Buddy please either fill in the online form or get in touch. Once you have read through all the information you will then have a chat with our Outreach Coordinator and our Information Team who will be able to provide you with all the advice you need to get started in your volunteering role.