2026 has been a landmark year for the allergic and anaphylactic community. From a stronger united voice for people living with allergy to major progress in schools, national policy and treatment options, there is real momentum behind making life safer and more inclusive for the millions affected by allergic disease.
This Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, we are reflecting on the progress made so far, while recognising that there is still much more to do.
This October, Anaphylaxis UK and Allergy UK merged to create a more powerful, unified voice for people living with allergy and anaphylaxis. By combining our expertise and reach, we can strengthen support for individuals and families and help drive meaningful change across the UK.
One of the most significant developments this year has been progress towards Benedict’s Law and stronger protections for children with allergies in schools.
New statutory guidance means that schools in England are now expected to have a whole-school allergy policy, provide allergy awareness and emergency-response training for all staff, keep spare adrenaline devices, and put Individual Healthcare Plans in place for pupils with allergies.
Our Education team continues to work tirelessly to support schools, staff, children and families through practical training, support, resources and guidance.
The launch of the UK’s first National Allergy Strategy was another landmark moment. The Strategy was developed by an unprecedented coalition including the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI), Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK, The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, over 150 experts and representatives from all four UK nations
It aims to deliver significant benefits to patients living with allergies, as well as the NHS and wider public services through prevention, early intervention and more efficient use of resources, reducing preventable harm and addressing health inequalities.
There has also been encouraging progress in emergency treatment options. The MHRA approved the lower-dose EURneffy® nasal adrenaline spray for children aged four and over who weigh between 15kg and 30kg. This will hopefully expand access to emergency treatment options for children at risk of anaphylaxis.
This year, our podcast, Let’s Talk About Allergies, has welcomed more incredible guests and opened up important conversations about the realities of living with allergy.
We have explored topics including:
These conversations help ensure that allergy is understood not only as a medical condition, but as something that can affect confidence, relationships, education, work, travel and everyday life.
This year we launched our new support groups, and as of October, nine are already up and running. Available both online and in person, they offer a safe, inclusive environment for anyone affected by serious allergies. Thanks to our generous fundraisers, every session is completely free to attend. Find out more about our support groups here.
None of this progress would be possible without our dedicated fundraisers, volunteers, supporters, healthcare professionals, researchers, campaigners and business members.
Throughout Anaphylaxis Awareness Week, and every day of the year, your efforts help raise awareness and make the world safer and more inclusive for people at risk of anaphylaxis.
As we celebrate the progress of 2026, we remain committed to a future where everyone affected by allergy has access to the care and protections they need.