PRESS RELEASE: Anaphylaxis UK shines light on the hidden mental health impact of allergies during awareness week (1–7 October)

LONDON, UK – Anaphylaxis UK is calling for greater understanding of the emotional toll of living with serious allergies – an often overlooked challenge – as part of Anaphylaxis Awareness Week (1–7 October 2025).

Under the theme #TheHiddenBattleWithAllergies, the charity is asking individuals, content creators, schools and businesses to help expose the silent struggles many face daily — from anxiety around eating out, to the fear of life-threatening reactions — and to break the stigma around the mental health challenges tied to allergic conditions.

This year, Anaphylaxis UK is once again calling on the public to show support by:

• Downloading and sharing official Anaphylaxis UK campaign materials across social platforms using the hashtag #TheHiddenBattleWithAllergies. Find assets at: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/awareness-week-2025
• Taking part in #WearItBright, wearing colourful clothing in solidarity with those living with anaphylaxis.
• Hosting coffee mornings or allergy-friendly bake sales to raise awareness and funds.
• Sharing real experiences of anaphylaxis and serious allergies, and what the #TheHiddenBattleWithAllergies means to you.

Simon Williams, CEO of Anaphylaxis UK:

“Anaphylaxis Awareness Week is an exciting and important date in the calendar, giving us an opportunity to raise awareness of why anaphylaxis and serious allergies need to be taken seriously by everybody, not just by those directly affected.”

Elia Hughes, supporter and allergy parent:

“As a parent of a son living with multiple allergies, I know first-hand that they can bring anxiety, isolation and the pressure of constant vigilance, which can be overwhelming. No one should feel afraid or nervous about school, socialising or holidays. Yet this is a reality that many families living with allergies still experience. Raising awareness of the emotional impact helps bring understanding, support and hope.” 

For more information, please visit Anaphylaxis Awareness Week 2025 webpage.

ENDS

For media requests & interviews, please contact:

Press Office | press@anaphylaxis.org.uk

Notes for editors

Anaphylaxis UK is the only UK-wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. While there’s no treatment or cure for anaphylaxis, we believe that by providing information, training and support, there is a brighter future for people living with serious allergies. 

Founded in 1994, Anaphylaxis UK was established to prevent deaths from food-induced anaphylaxis and to improve the quality of life for those living with serious allergies. At that time, little was understood about serious allergic conditions and reliable information was scarce. Since then, the charity has worked tirelessly to change this by providing trusted information, training, and support. 

Anaphylaxis is a serious and often sudden allergic reaction. It can occur when someone with allergies is exposed to something they are allergic to. Reactions usually take place within minutes and rapidly progress but can occur up to 2-3 hours later. It is potentially life-threatening and always requires an immediate emergency response.

Website: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Follow us: @AnaphylaxisUK #TheHiddenBattleWithAllergies #WearItBright