Anaphylaxis UK: Let's Talk About Allergies

One year after launching our initiative to tackle allergy-related anxiety, funded by Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Surrey, we reflect on the progress made and what comes next.
Joining us in this Let’s talk about allergies episode are Dr James Dayer Clinical Psychologist and Professor Chrissie Jones of Clinical Health Psychology at University of Surrey, who will help us dive into the research underpinning this work, and share a glimpse on the next phase of the project: the development of accessible, evidence-based resources. Built from a CBT-informed workbook, these tools aim to support people experiencing allergy-related anxiety wherever they are in the UK.
We’re also joined by Vanessa Millward Group Support Coordinator and Sam Phillips (East Yorkshire Support Group facilitator), as we explore the introduction of new peer support groups designed to provide safe, understanding spaces for people affected by allergies. We discuss why these groups are needed, how they are being developed, and the steps being taken to ensure group leaders feel confident, supported, and well-equipped.
Find out more about Anaphylaxis UK support groups here: https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-serious-allergies/anaphylaxis-uk-support-groups/

First aired 11 March 2025
This week, Year 6 pupils will be hearing the outcome of their chosen secondary school, and taking the next steps.
Discover practical advice for managing allergies as your child makes the big move to secondary school in this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies. Transitioning from primary to secondary education can feel daunting for families living with allergies, but with the right planning and support, your child can stay safe, confident, and fully included.
We’re joined once again by Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. Drawing on her experience as a former headteacher in allergy-aware schools — and as a parent of teenagers with severe allergies — Tracey shares expert insights to help families navigate this important milestone.
In this episode, we explore the key differences between primary and secondary school allergy management, what parents should discuss with their child’s new school, and how to gradually encourage young people to take greater responsibility for managing their allergies with confidence.
For more guidance, explore the Safer Schools Programme from Anaphylaxis UK. The programme provides schools with practical tools and resources to build best-practice allergy policies and procedures. This includes whole-school allergy awareness guidance, the AllergyWise® for Schools online training course, a model allergy policy, a downloadable allergy awareness assembly presentation, guidance on spare adrenaline pens, advice on roles and responsibilities, tackling allergy bullying, FAQs for schools, and much more.

In this episode we’re joined by Professor Adam Fox OBE, and Professor Rosan Meyer. Professor Fox is 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. Professor Meyer is a leading Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics at Imperial College London, Professor at KU Leuven and Winchester University, and founder of SBS Kidz Nutrition.
Together Prof. Fox and Prof. Meyer answer the questions families and clinicians frequently ask about outgrowing food allergies. We explore what “outgrowing” really means, how likely children are to become tolerant to different foods and how age and clinical history affect those odds. We walk through the clinical pathway — referrals, testing, follow-up frequency — and explain the specialist dietitian’s role in assessment and management. We also cover the risk of recurrence and the red flags that should prompt urgent review.
Prof. Meyer also offers realistic, low-cost tips for keeping foods in the diet, handling ‘may contain’ labels, managing dislikes and preventing cross-contact at home.
Whether you’re a parent, carer or healthcare professional, this episode gives clear, evidence-based guidance and practical steps to help families navigate childhood allergies.

To celebrate #AnaphylaxisAwarenessWeek, in this episode we tackle one of the most asked-about developments in food allergy care: immunotherapy for food allergy.
We’re joined by Dr Helen Evans-Howells — a GP with a specialist role in allergy, Chair of Anaphylaxis UK’s Clinical & Scientific Panel, lecturer at the University of Southampton, and founder of Dr Helen Allergy private clinics in Ringwood and Belfast.
Dr Helen offers expert answers to common questions including: what oral immunotherapy (OIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) are, the science behind how they reduce allergic responses, who might be suitable, and how protocols actually run. We discuss real-world practicalities — NHS vs private access, likely timelines, cost considerations, monitoring and safety, and the latest research and trials aiming to make immunotherapy safer and more accessible.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, healthcare professional or someone living with allergy, this episode offers clear, evidence-based information and practical steps to help you understand your options and have informed conversations with clinicians.

In this episode 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 and only specialist allergy hospital, Allergy Centre of Excellence.
Professor Fox shares expert answers to some of the most common and urgent questions we hear through our helpline and social channels about adrenaline and anaphylaxis. We go right back to the fundamental basics of adrenaline and anaphylaxis — from how it works and when to use it, to why carrying two AAIs is so important, plus side effects and other practical concerns.
We then turn to EURneffy®—what it is, how it compares with EpiPen and Jext, who may benefit, likely NHS access timelines, and practical issues such as switching or carrying devices, and real-world reports of effects.
Whether you’re a parent, carer, healthcare professional or someone living with allergy, this episode gives clear, evidence-based answers and practical steps for staying safe and confident in an emergency.
For the Allergy Action Plans discussed in the episode visit: BSACI Allergy Action Plans.
For helpful updates and easy-to-digest information about children's allergies, why not follow Prof. Fox on Instagram: @DrAdamFox & @allergycentreofexcellence