The Anaphylaxis Campaign has announced that their annual Anaphylaxis Awareness Week will go ahead as planned, despite the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Anaphylaxis Campaign, a UK charity provides support and information to individuals and families affected by severe allergies. They have decided to continue with their plans for an awareness-raising week as people with severe allergies need support now more than ever.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe 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.
Anaphylaxis Campaign was formed in 1994 by Honorary Vice-President David Reading after his 17-year-old daughter Sarah sadly passed away following an allergic reaction to peanuts. We are the only UK wide charity operating solely for the growing numbers of people at risk from severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Could your takeaway meal inadvertently cause anaphylactic shock?
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As some food hygiene inspections are halted and many food businesses switch to distance selling for the first time, a consumer checklist has been designed of considerations to make when ordering takeaway food during the pandemic. We have also provided links to information, resources and training to local authorities in order to support the hospitality industry.
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Issued a joint open letter with BSACI and AllergyUK to supermarkets, industry and George Eustice MP, and we are in discussion with DEFRA and the FSA about improvements needed to ensure the availability of both free-from foods and general product lines for those with medically restricted diets.
- Created an online hub of allergy and coronavirus information, including FAQs we have received through our national helpline service.
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Developing an allergy buddy system for people who feel isolated and need more support during this time. Also developing ‘virtual support groups’ to replace our community support groups where possible.
How you can help:
Go Orange for Anaphylaxis Awareness Week!
Whilst we are supporting people across the UK, we hope they will join with us between 4 - 10 May to raise much needed awareness and take part in some fun fundraising activities, including:
1. Design an Orange wig
Support our trademark ‘Orange Wig Week’ by designing and creating your own! The bigger and more flamboyant the better!
Email them to us, or post them to our social media channels between 4 - 10 May with the hashtag #AnaphlaxisAwareness to show your support and raise awareness.
2. Take on a Marathon Challenge in May
Mental and physical wellbeing is so important at this time and whilst the major marathon events have been postponed, we are asking those who are able to undertake daily exercise whilst social distancing, and to record the distance covered as a family during the month of May, aiming to achieve the 26 mile 'Marathon target'. Running walking, skipping or scootering - whichever way works for you.
Ask friends and family to donate via a Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/start-fundraising or another online method. We will send you a certificate and badge to thank you for your amazing efforts!
3. Share your story
People are being asked to send a positive message in these challenging times. A new Youth Ambassador will be named on the 27 April and will be kicking off this event on Monday 4th May.
People with allergies are being asked to video a short clip of themselves finishing the statement ‘Living with allergies has helped me to…’ with the hashtag #AnaphylaxisAwareness
Sharing stories in this way will empower others.
To find out more about the Anaphylaxis Campaign
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