MP visits charity calling for allergies to be taken seriously

A Member of Parliament visited the headquarters of a charity which is calling for allergies to be taken more seriously across health and education sectors.

Daniel Francis, MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford, visited Allergy UK in Thames Road, Crayford, on February 17 to hear more about its work.

During the visit, MP Francis heard about how the charity supports the unmet needs that people with allergies experience due to gaps in NHS care, school support and industry legislation. 

He said: “I was impressed by the tireless efforts of Allergy UK to raise awareness about allergies and provide much-needed support to those affected. 

“The commitment of staff to improving the lives of individuals and families who face the daily challenge of managing allergies is commendable.” 

Allergy UK offers expert advice through its helpline and website, support through clinics, training programmes and advocacy as well as a bursary, which helps families access air purifiers for homes impacted by allergens such as mould and dust. 

Simone Miles, chief executive of Allergy UK, said: “We’re glad that Mr Francis understood the importance of making time in his busy schedule to understand more about why a disease which affects one in three people in the UK needs to be taken more seriously.   

“We are particularly pleased that he has agreed to become a Parliamentary Allergy Champion and to advocate for us in our ongoing call to improve equitable healthcare for chronic conditions such as allergy, particularly at primary care level.” 

Pictured top: From left, Amena Warner, head of Clinical Services, Daniel Francis MP, Simone Miles, chief executive of Allergy UK, Jon Rodriguez, operations director, charity user Rose Porter and her son Nate (Picture: Allergy UK)