Anaphylaxis UK: Let's Talk About Allergies

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, dia...

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 dietiti...

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 u...

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 wi...

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, Sen...

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 Ringw...

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...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Allergies , we welcome back Tracey Dunn, Education and AllergyWise® Manager at Anaphylaxis UK. With her extensive 15-year experience as a headteacher in allergy-aware schools and as a parent of teens with serious allergies, Tracey shares practical advice for parents whose children are getting ready to start or return to school in September. Tracey guides you ste...

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 a...

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...

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 unra...

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...

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® Man...

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...

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 ye...

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 allergie...

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...

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 discus...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies, we revisit our CEO Simon Williams’ conversation with Professor Rebecca Knibb, as they explore the significant psychological pressures individuals with allergies face and the progress made in recognising their mental health needs. They discuss the importance of accessible psychological support for those feeling anxious about their allergies. Prof. Knib...

In this episode, our CEO Simon Williams and Prof. Chrissie Jones explore the mental health challenges faced by individuals after receiving a serious allergy diagnosis. Prof. Jones explains how different people respond to this life-altering news, from relief at having a plan to overwhelming anxiety about navigating daily life. They discuss the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), m...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Allergies by Anaphylaxis UK, we revisit insightful interviews with leading experts to break down the fundamentals of allergies, their symptoms, and what to do in an emergency. Hear from experienced healthcare professionals as they explain the differences between IgE and non-IgE allergies, common allergic triggers like food, pollen, and pets, and the potential ri...

In this second episode of our Bee & Wasp Venom Campaign Series, we welcome back venom allergy specialist, Dr. Andrew Whyte to address some of the questions that have emerged since last year's interview. Our CEO, Simon, and Information Officer, Mary, talk to Dr. Whyte about insect stings, the right time to have venom allergy testing, and the process of venom immunotherapy. We also explore commo...

In this episode we explore allergies to bee and wasp stings, covering symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Discover effective strategies for managing allergic reactions as our Chief Executive Simon Williams and expert Dr. Andrew Whyte discuss the importance of allergy testing, immunotherapy and emergency response. Dr. Andrew Whyte, a specialist at the Department of Allergy and Immunology at Derrif...