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 schools
• Allergy action plans
• Podcast episode on managing allergies during school events
• Allergy management education newsletter sign up
• Free school resources to download

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 Parents

For our podcast episode on allergies and infant weaning visit: Infant Weaning & Allergies: How to Introduce Allergens Safely and Prevent Food Allergies

Other helpful resources:

Children's Allergy Doctor: Allergy Insights

The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Children’s Eczema at Home

BSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Your Baby

BSACI: Preventing Food Allergy in Higher Risk Infants: Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

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.

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.

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!

In this short episode, we revisit a conversation between our Chief Executive Simon and GP & Allergy Specialist Dr. Helen Evans Howells, as they delve into the complexities of penicillin allergies and the process of delabelling. Despite many patients believing they’re allergic to penicillin, research shows that only about 1% truly are. This mislabelling can lead to unnecessarily longer hospital stays and a heightened risk of complications, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Helen explains how GPs can better assess a reported penicillin allergy by exploring the severity and history of reactions. This approach not only helps ensure patients receive the most appropriate care but also minimises the potential complications associated with an incorrect allergy label.

Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, GP and allergy specialist, chairs the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical & Scientific Panel. She runs Dr Helen Allergy, a private clinic for adults and children in Bournemouth and Dorchester, offering virtual consultations and advice. Follow her for allergy and eczema support: drhelenallergy.

For the studies referenced in the episode, visit:

Wilcock, M., & Powell, N. (2021). Challenges of delabelling penicillin allergy. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, 59(11). https://doi.org/10.1136/dtb.2021.000019

Ferner, R., & McGettigan, P. (2020). The patient who reports a drug allergy. The BMJ, 368. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6791

In this episode, our CEO Simon Williams sits down with experienced GPs Dr. Lisa Brigstocke and Dr. Helen Evans Howells, to guide you through every step of your allergy appointment. From what you should bring and what tests to expect, to understanding the follow-up care and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

Whether you’re new to managing allergies or have been on this journey for years, this conversation is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate your GP appointment successfully. Join us as we break down the process of visiting your GP for allergies, ensuring you’re fully prepared to take charge of your allergy care.

Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, GP and allergy specialist, chairs the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical & Scientific Panel. She runs Dr Helen Allergy, a private clinic for adults and children in Bournemouth and Dorchester, offering virtual consultations and advice. Follow her for allergy and eczema support: drhelenallergy.

Dr. Lisa Brigstocke has been practicing as a GP with an extended role in allergy since 2019, offering tailored care for patients with complex allergy-related conditions. Her postgraduate training has equipped her to integrate advanced knowledge of immunology into patient consultations, ensuring comprehensive and effective management of allergic disorders. She currently works at Frimley Park Hospital, where she combines her general practice expertise with a specialised focus on allergy care.

Simon also highlights our video demonstration on how to use an adrenaline auto-injector with Dr. Matt Doyle. You can watch this helpful guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYvSbH3dUtI

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies, Anaphylaxis UK welcome back Dr Helen Evan-Howells to tackle some of the most common misconceptions surrounding allergies. From well-meaning but misguided advice to outright myths, we separate fact from fiction to help listeners navigate allergy management during the holiday season.

Join us as we explore the difference between mild and severe allergies, highlighting the symptoms associated with serious allergic reactions, and the importance of seeking professional advice from an allergy expert for tailored guidance. The goal is to equip listeners with the knowledge necessary to better understand allergies, anaphylaxis, and how to manage allergens effectively and safely, even during the challenges of the festive period.

Dr. Helen Evans-Howells, GP and allergy specialist, chairs the Anaphylaxis UK Clinical & Scientific Panel. She runs Dr Helen Allergy, a private clinic for adults and children in Bournemouth, Dorchester, and now Belfast, offering consultations and advice. Follow her for allergy and eczema support: drhelenallergy.

Dr Helen also runs a Facebook support group which you can visit for allergy advice and queries.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Are At-home Allergy Tests Reliable – YouTube Video

Unlocking the Truth About Home Allergy Tests: What Your GP Wants You to Know!

How to Keep Your Kitchen Allergen-Safe This Christmas

The Dos and Don’ts of Eating Out with an Allergy this Christmas

Peanut Allergy & Tree Nut Allergy Factsheet

Seeds & Foods with ‘Nuts’ in the Name Factsheet

Travelling with Allergies

Discover how to navigate Christmas events at school when a child has allergies in this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies. The festive season is a time for celebration, but for families managing allergies, it can also mean navigating potential risks, advocating for inclusion, and ensuring safety.

Join us as we chat with Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With 16 years of experience as a headteacher in allergy-aware schools, and personal experience as a parent of teens with severe allergies, Tracey shares expert advice and practical strategies to help parents, teachers and children confidently enjoy Christmas celebrations at school.

Discover actionable tips for advocating allergy safety, creating inclusive events, and making this holiday season a joyful experience for all. Don't miss this essential guide to allergy-friendly festivities!

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!

In this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies, Anaphylaxis UK welcomes back Prof. Chrissie Jones to delve deeper into the mental health challenges faced by parents, adults, and children living with food allergies. Join us as we explore Prof. Jones’s recent research on two key psychological approaches: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). We’ll discuss how these methods can effectively reduce anxiety, worry, and depression related to food allergies.

This episode also highlights the potential benefits of group therapy settings, the importance of training non-psychologists, and strategies to expand access to these helpful resources. We’ll address the trauma associated with anaphylactic reactions, effective ways for parents to manage anxiety transfer to their children, and the unique challenges faced by those newly diagnosed with allergies. Tune in for an insightful conversation that aims to empower those navigating the complexities of allergies.

Chrissie Jones is a Professor in Clinical Health Psychology and was awarded a PhD from the Brighton & Sussex Medical School evaluating the extent to which social cognition models could explain adherence to self-care behaviours in children and young people with food allergy. Prior to her PhD, Chrissie completed an MSc in Health Psychology and BA in Social Psychology both at the University of Sussex.

Please see below the resources mentioned in the podcast:

Online, group, low-intensity psychological intervention for adults, children, and parents with food allergy

A review of freely available online support for food allergy related emotional well-being. This paper has links to helpful resources.

Follow @JonesChristinaJ