HelplineOur Research
Our major research study in 2021 gave us some key insights into living with allergic disease, as well as public perceptions of allergy. Thank you to all those who participated in this important piece of research – the first of its kind to gain a better understanding of life with an allergic condition and the attitudes of our society.
In 2021 we undertook a major research study, probably the largest ever in the UK, into what it is really like to live with allergic disease. We also wanted to understand the public perceptions of allergy – how well it is understood and recognised – and the challenges that people living with allergy face in their everyday lives. We want to thank all those who took part in this research which included an Omnibus Survey and surveys of people living with allergy, reaching 7,000 people in the UK.
We think it’s time for the UK to take allergy seriously and 76% of adults with allergy who responded to our survey agreed with us.
Some of the things our research told us:
- More than three quarters (76%) believe allergies should be taken more seriously.
- 79% know at least one person other than themselves that live with allergies
- 61% believe the government should do more to support people living with allergies.
- 2 in 5 (46%) parents say that their child feels isolated because of how much allergies impact their lives, and they get upset if they are teased or bullied about their condition.
- Over half (53%) of adults have avoided social situations because of their allergy.
- 33% of parents feel their child plays down their allergies because they are afraid that friends and/or teachers would think they are exaggerating.
- 44% of workers say that their allergies have impacted their work performance.
- Over half (53%) of adults feel like their friends and/or family don’t understand how much allergies can impact their life.
- 38% of adults feel embarrassed going to work with their allergies and 30% of adults feel their employers and/or colleagues are dismissive of their allergies.
- 54% of parents are very or extremely anxious about their child having an allergic reaction.
What this research study has told has not only informed our campaign, but it has also given us incredibly valuable insights to drive every aspect of our work. It told us about the experiences of people living with allergy, from healthcare provision to day-to-day life; it told us how parents care for their children with allergy and their fears and anxiety about their child and it told us how others perceive allergy.
The compelling data is the foundation of our commitment to improve the lives of people living with allergy.
Over the coming year we will be lobbying for better healthcare provision for people living with allergy with three key asks to government to make this happen.
We will be working with schools and service industries to improve the care and service provision for people with allergies and we will be publishing the first ever Patient Charter for people living with allergy. Please support us.
