Helpline
This year’s theme is #ConnectMeaningfully, focusing on the importance of building and maintaining meaningful connections and relationships. Our Youth Engagement Programme is a safe platform for young people living with allergy to come together, share experiences and have their voice heard with our support to raise awareness of allergy.
Last month we had our first in person meeting where we visited the British Museum to explore the Ancient Egypt exhibition. This was an amazing opportunity for us as a team to meet in person, strengthen our relationship, learn about the history of the ancient Egypt, and have fun.
Connecting with others and travelling while you’re young is a great and inspiring thing to do. This opportunity has helped to broaden horizons and introduce new ways of thinking and perspectives – Cedoux Kadima, Youth Engagement Officer for Allergy UK.
Nice to be with people that understand – Youth Member
Allergy can affect the wellbeing of young adults in many different ways, including:
- Anxiety around a potential allergic reaction
- Fear of using adrenaline auto-injectors
- Negative relationships with food including food aversions and refusal
- Sleep deprivation due to allergy symptoms, affecting mood and concentration at school, university, or work
- Visible symptoms such as eczema and hives causing low self-esteem
- Isolation around social events such as birthday parties and eating out at certain restaurants
Allergies impact every area of your life including mental health and are usually dismissed by people not aware of the impact – Young Patient
We spoke to members of our Youth Engagement Group to hear about their experiences of living with multiple allergies. Read their stories here.
