Help for parents coping with a child's severe food allergy

Childhood food allergies are having a huge effect on parents and families. Here one mother shares her story and advice

- BY MATT NIXSON

More than 1,000 parents of children with food allergies recently took part in a poll for Vitalite to help raise awareness.

It found almost half surveyed admitted they had turned down social events, one in five said it had affected work, and 18% said they had missed family holidays because of their child's allergy.

A fifth also admitted mental health had been impacted, and a third suffered anxiety as a result of their children’s condition. On an average weekday, 86% of parents spent more than an hour worrying about their child’s food allergies.

AWARENESS

Natalie Hopkins, founder of specialist training provider The Allergy Badge, says: “Parents tell me how fearful their child’s allergies make them feel, of what could happen and the need for vigilance.

“I am working with Vitalite to raise awareness of the small things we can all do to help relieve this anxiety.”

The firm has also partnered with former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian, whose daughter Isla has severe food allergies, to raise awareness of dairy allergies in children - and the impact on parents.

“Isla was just a few weeks old when we found out she had some serious food allergies, including dairy,” explains Ali.

“It is difficult to relax when you are worrying about whether what they are eating could harm them.”

Vitalite’s Jo Swan says: “No one should have their mental wellbeing affected by food. Let's make sure parents are supported, by asking questions and making simple swaps and tweaks.”

Currently, Vitalite is suitable for people with any of the top 14 allergens, which includes cereals, egg, mustard and sulphites.

BY MATT NIXSON

■Call Allergy UK on 01322 619898 or visit allergyuk.org

'EMPOWER YOUR CHILD'