"Independence Day" for children living with allergies | Latest news

Independence Day for children living with allergies

Nottingham Children’s Hospital is holding a special Independence event for children and young people living with allergies next week.

The event will bring together youth workers, specialist nurses and a dietician to help those with a diagnosed food allergy and/or difficult asthma or eczema to become more confident about managing their allergies.

More than 40% of children living in the UK have been diagnosed with an allergy. The transition from childhood to adulthood can be particularly tricky as parents start handing over the reins of responsibility to their child, who may be self-conscious or embarrassed about their allergy, angry at the impact it has on their social life, freedom, and diet, or might just not take it seriously enough.

“We know that parents of children and young adults with food allergy, as well as the young people themselves, can suffer with real anxiety,” said Lisa Clarke, Lead Nurse for Children’s Allergy at the Queen’s Medical Centre. 

A study by Allergy UK found that 54% of parents surveyed were very or extremely anxious about their child having an allergic reaction.

“The teenage years and transition to adult life can be the most challenging and worrying time,” added Lisa. “Young people may not want to feel different, might not want to carry medication and are more likely to take risks.”

Allergy UK found that:

• two in five (46%) parents said their child feels isolated due to the impact allergies have on their lives, and they get upset if they are teased or bullied about it.
• 33% of parents feel their child plays down their allergies because they are afraid that friends and/or teachers would think they are exaggerating.

Lisa said: “With this event we hope to allow space for young people to voice their worries about managing the risks of their allergy.

“We want to give some vital reminders about how to stay safe, read labels and carry medication, but importantly we don’t want their allergies to stop them doing anything they strive to do.”

Participants are welcome to bring a friend, and there is a separate area where parents can have a coffee and chat with experts while they wait for their child.

Allergy Independence is aimed at 12 to 21-year-olds. It takes place on Tuesday 25 October, 2.15pm-4pm, at Beeston Youth and Community Centre, West End, Beeston. Parking is available. To book your place, please call 07812 275 420 or email: nuhnt.childrensallergy@nhs.net .