Helpline
Allergy UK and ARK strengthen partnership to support safer schools
Helping schools prepare for safer allergy management
Allergy UK and ARK are strengthening their partnership to help schools and workplaces better understand allergies and take practical steps to prepare for an emergency.
The collaboration brings together Allergy UK’s expertise and support for people living with allergies with ARK’s experience in helping organisations put emergency preparedness arrangements in place.
For people living with allergies, and parents of children with allergies, being away from home can mean relying on others to understand their needs. Knowing that a school or workplace takes allergies seriously can make an important difference to everyday confidence and inclusion.
Through joint campaigns and educational resources, the partnership will help organisations understand what preparedness involves, from staff awareness and training to clear emergency plans and appropriate equipment.
The first focus will be school preparedness, helping school teams review their arrangements and identify practical steps they can take. Planned activity includes a school preparedness checklist and supporting information connecting schools with relevant guidance and training.
Together we are committed to improving Allergy awareness, education and preparedness across schools, workplaces and public settings. By combining all of our expertise we can help more people understand the risks associated with serious Allergy and feel confident responding in an emergency, Simone Miles, Allergy UK Chief Executive.
ARK supports schools and qualifying organisations with rescue kit solutions, practical guidance and ongoing support. Its work includes helping teams understand storage and routine checks, alongside expiry reminders to support preparedness over time.
Schools and workplaces want to support people with allergies, but knowing where to start can feel daunting. Through our partnership with Allergy UK, we want to make those next steps clearer, helping teams understand what they need to put in place and how to stay prepared over time.”, Lincoln Barrett, Director of ARK.
Equipment is one part of a wider approach. Understanding individual needs, having clear procedures and ensuring staff know how to respond are also central to supporting people with allergies.
Building on the initial schools activity, the partnership will explore the needs of wider education settings and workplaces, recognising that the support required can differ between organisations.
Our shared ambition is to make allergy preparedness easier to understand and put into practice, helping more people feel supported wherever they learn or work.