103561/Z/14/Z: The maze of food allergy. Start here... an online school-based workshop to improve awareness and understanding of food allergy

Project Summary:Food allergy is major public health issue, affecting around 1 in 12 children which is at least one child in every classroom in the UK. A lack of knowledge regarding food allergy amongst both sufferers and peers is well documented. This project aims to improve the understanding and awareness of food allergy amongst young sufferers, their peers and their teachers by developing an online school-based workshop. Enhancing knowledge of the causes of food allergy, improving risk assessment and the correct recognition and management of allergic reaction will empower children with food allergy to reduce their risk of reactions and exercise more control over their allergy. Likewise, peers and teachers will be better able to maintain a safe environment for them. The online school workshop will be for children aged 5-11 years and will include a series of educational videos and classroom activities that make learning about what a food allergy is fun for children to understand. We will evalu ate the effectiveness of the workshop through lesson plans and activity sheets. Our aim is to build awareness and a deeper understanding of food allergy and the immune system, explaining why some people have allergic reactions to food, the impact this can have, how they can avoid allergic reactions and how medicine can help keep them safe. In this way we hope to improve the lives of children who suffer from food allergy.

Grant Holder:Miss Hailey Phillips

Organisation:Allergy Adventures

Financial Year:2013/2014