On Monday, 20th January 2025, ASÉ had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated launch of the brilliant Allergy School, an inspiring initiative by The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF). This incredible programme is set to revolutionise allergy education, equipping schools with FREE knowledge and resources needed to create inclusive and safe environments for children with food allergies.
A heartfelt thank you to Jan Parnell, Director of Education-Natasha Allergy Research Foundation for inviting us to this magnificent launch at the beautiful Foundling Museum.
We were also delighted to meet Natasha’s parents, Tanya and Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, Founders and Trustees of Natasha Allergy Research. They shared touching footage of cherished moments with their daughter, Natasha, who tragically passed away at the age of 15 due to a severe allergic reaction to sesame seeds hidden in a Pret-a-Manger baguette she ate on a British Airways flight. The sesame seeds were not visible, and the packaging label did not list them as an ingredient. As a result, Natasha was unable to receive the emergency medical care she desperately needed. We were thrilled to also meet the amazing Sandra Agard, Renowned Children's Author.
A MOVEMENT TO PROTECT AND EMPOWER CHILDREN
Did you know…
Around 2 children in every classroom now have a food allergy.
One in five allergic reactions happen in school.
Black and Asian children are at a higher risk of severe allergic reactions, yet they are less likely to receive life-saving emergency treatment like adrenaline auto-injectors.
Teenagers with allergies face unique challenges, including increased independence and social pressures, potentially leading to risky behaviours and increased anxiety about managing their condition.
Food allergies are more common in ethic minority communities, with Black children twice as likely to have a peanut allergy than white children.
Delayed diagnosis and healthcare inequalities mean many ethnic minority families face greater risks due to systemic barriers in accessing allergy care and treatment.
With these staggering statistics in mind, the launch of the Allergy School couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Schools play a vital role in safeguarding our children and, this initiative will help ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the support they need to stay safe.
MEET ARLO, THE FOOD-ALLERGIC ARAMADILLO
One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of Arlo, the friendly food-allergic armadillo puppet. The interview Tanya conducted with Arlo was great. Arlo is designed to engage and educate young children. Arlo makes learning about allergies fun, interactive and memorable. Through storytelling and role-play, Arlo will help children understand the importance of allergy awareness, inclusivity and safety in the classroom.
AN EMOTIONAL AND POWERFUL TESTIMONEY FROM JESS AGED 8
Among the inspiring voices at the launch was Jess, an 8-year old allergy warrior. Jess is allergic to cow’s milk and has faced near-death allergic reactions. With incredible confidence and eloquence, Jess bravely shared his personal experiences of navigating school life with severe allergies. Jess took us on his emotional journey of the challenges, fears and the moments when he felt excluded or unsafe.
His mother, Billie Hoque, who has three children with food allergies, spoke passionately about the need for better education, awareness and emergency vigilance in schools. Their story was both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, reminding everyone in the room why this initiative is so desperately needed.
THE PATH FORWARD: LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO SAVE LIVES
The Allergy School is more than just an educational programme - it’s a life saving movement. ASÉ is proud to stand alongside The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation in raising awareness, tackling inequalities and advocating for allergy-safe schools for ALL Children.
Join us and sign up today to be part of the change. Visit the Allergy School to learn more about how you can support this vital initiative.
ASÉ are #1 Fans of the Allergy School
Let’s work together to make a difference and save lives.
#AllergyEquity #InclusiveHealthcare #FoodAllergyAwareness #SaferSchools #EthnicMinoritiesAtRisk #AllergySchool #NatashaAllergyResearchFoundation
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