Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults with Food Allergy Management During Transitions to Further or Higher Education Aston University

Overview

Food allergy has a significant impact on mental health and quality of life, due to the fear of a severe or fatal allergic reaction. This impact can be felt more strongly at key times such as transition away from parental support or when learning to manage food allergy in a new environment. Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of serious or fatal allergic reactions which often occur away from home. There is very little research conducted in this age group in relation to their needs and much of the support available is aimed at younger children. 

Key facts

The Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults with Food Allergy Management During Transitions to Further or Higher Education programme at Aston University  will be completed in collaboration with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity which is committed to making lives better for those with food allergy. Their vision is to prevent and eradicate allergic disease, with a mission to bring about positive change by focusing on research, laws and policies, education and raising allergy awareness. They are focused on ensuring the needs of people living with allergies are met in a meaningful way. The successful applicant will undertake a placement with the Foundation and take part in a wide range of activities that support the charity’s research, education, and advocacy work. This might include research activities as well as helping and advising on resources and awareness campaigns, creating content for social media, blogs, newsletters, or the charity’s website, helping to share key messages and lived experiences in a clear and engaging way.