The Anaphylaxis Campaign have announced that their annual Anaphylaxis Awareness Week will go ahead as planned, despite the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the NHS is currently under huge pressure, the Anaphylaxis Campaign, a UK charity which provides support and information to individuals and families affected by severe allergies, have decided to continue with plans for their awareness-raising week as people with severe allergies need support now more than ever.
The team is committed to keeping the allergic community up to date with vital changes in guidance and information through this difficult time.
How the Anaphylaxis Campaign are helping
- They have issued a joint open letter with BSACI and Allergy UK 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.
- As some food hygiene inspections are halted and many food businesses switch to distance selling for the first time, the Anaphylaxis Campaign have designed a consumer checklist of considerations to make when ordering takeaway food during the pandemic. They have also provided links to information, resources and training to local authorities in order to support the hospitality industry.
- They have created an online hub of allergy and coronavirus information, including FAQs they have received through our national helpline service.
- They are developing an allergy buddy system for people who feel isolated and need more support during this time. We are also developing ‘virtual support groups’ to replace our community support groups where possible.
How you can help them
Go Orange for Anaphylaxis Awareness Week! Whilst the Anaphylaxis Campaign are supporting people across the UK, they hope you will join with them between 4 – 10 May to raise much needed awareness and take part in some fun fundraising activities, including:
Design an Orange wig
Support their trademark ‘Orange Wig Week’ by designing and creating your own. The bigger and more flamboyant the better.
Email them to orangewigweek@anaphylaxis.org.
Take on a Marathon Challenge in May
Mental and physical well-being is so important at this time and while the major marathon events have been postponed, the Anaphylaxis Campaign 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 Just Giving or another online method. You will be sent a certificate and badge to thank you for your amazing efforts.
Share your story
The Campaign are asking people all over the UK to send a positive message in these challenging times. They will be welcoming their new Youth Ambassador, who will be named on the 28 April and will be kicking off this event on Monday 4th May.
People with allergies are asked to video a short clip of themselves finishing the statement ‘Living with allergies has helped me to…’ with the hashtag #AnaphylaxisAwareness.
The Campaign hopes that by people sharing their stories in this way it will empower others. Find out more about the Anaphylaxis Campaign at their website; to donate click here.You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Insta
