Support for families living with allergy
On May 15th 2023, the Allergy Summit provided a series of free online talks to help parents and caregivers of a child with food allergies or eczema to gain understanding of their conditions.
Empowering families
The allergy journey can be very difficult to navigate. The summit speakers are all dedicated to empowering families to live well, with allergy.
During the Allergy Summit we listened to short talks from representatives of Anaphylaxis UK and The Sadie Bristow Foundation, as well as from our speakers.
Watch the Allergy Summit recording
Please watch the Allergy Summit recording
Allergy Summit Speakers
Odette Rodda , Dermatology Specialist
Odette is an Advanced Nurse Specialist with a degree in allergy with over 30 years experience in paediatric nursing.
In her current role at University Hospital Dorset, Odette leads the children’s dermatology service. She also provides independent nurse-led clinics for both dermatology and allergy patients. Odette also teaches, shares her knowledge and works alongside Dr Helen in her private clinic.
Penny Barnard, Children's Dietitian
Penny is a state registered dietitian who specialises in paediatric food allergy & gastroenterology with over 25 years experience working for the NHS. Penny has a BSc honours degree in Nutrition and a PhD from the University of Southampton. She is passionate about supporting children with food allergy.
Penny currently undertakes a weekly allergy clinic with a consultant paediatrician and allergy specialist nurse & manages hospital-based and home oral food challenges. As well as this she has been involved in writing milk and egg allergy guidelines.
Francesca Sawer, Clinical Psychologist
Francesca is a chartered clinical psychologist, specialising in paediatrics and child development. She has worked in some of the UK’s leading children’s hospitals and currently works at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Francesca has a particular interest in allergy anxiety. Research shows that children with allergies can experience higher levels of anxiety, lower mood and reduced quality of life than their peers. She supports families with recognising anxiety, developing practical tools and strategies to manage fears and ultimately improving their quality of life.
Lucy Upton , Children's Dietitian
Lucy Upton is a leading UK Paediatric Dietitian, with over 12 years of experience within the NHS and Private Practice. She is passionate about championing the nutritional health of babies and children of all ages. Lucy has presented nationally and internationally on a range of children’s nutrition topics, and she is a guest lecturer at Coventry University and Birmingham City University.
Lucy is passionate about supporting all parents with confidence surrounding their child’s nutrition and feeding! As well as empowering parents through education, and cutting through nutrition nonsense often found online!
Allergy Help Course
Receive over 10 hours of education. You get lifetime access to the modules and your family can watch with you and learn how to keep your child safe and well.
Find out more