Welcome to The Sadie Bristow Allergy Management Fund.

We support families across the UK in accessing life-changing Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) treatment, working in partnership with trusted specialist providers, including the Allergy Centre of Excellence.

This page provides an overview of OIT, who it may be suitable for and how the fund can help families who need financial and practical support to access treatment. Our aim is to ensure support reaches children and families who need it most, empowering them to navigate their allergy journey with confidence.

What is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT)?

Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is a medical treatment for specific IgE-mediated food allergies. It involves the gradual introduction of increasing amounts of an allergen (such as peanut, milk, or egg) under strict medical supervision.

The primary goal of OIT is to desensitise the individual, increasing their tolerance so that accidental exposure to small amounts of the allergen is less likely to cause a severe allergic reaction. For many families, this can significantly improve quality of life and reduce anxiety around everyday situations.

Important Information

OIT is not a cure for food allergy.

While treatment can reduce the severity of reactions, individuals typically need to:

  • Continue consuming a daily maintenance dose of the allergen
  • Carry adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injectors at all times
  • Remain under specialist medical care

OIT is not suitable for everyone. Eligibility is assessed by specialist allergy teams based on clinical criteria and individual circumstances.

Support Through the Allergy Management Fund

Through the Allergy Management Fund, we aim to help families who may otherwise be unable to access OIT due to financial or practical barriers. Support is tailored to each family and guided by specialist clinical assessment.

Applying for OIT Support via the Allergy Management Fund

Application Timeline
Applications for support via the Allergy Management Fund for Oral Immunotherapy close on 31 January 2026. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by mid February 2026.

Families applying for Oral Immunotherapy support through the Sadie Bristow Allergy Management Fund will follow a clinical pathway delivered in partnership with Dr Helen Allergy and the Allergy Centre of Excellence.

The documents below are designed to help families understand eligibility, prepare for the application process, and consider whether OIT is the right step for them.

Before you apply

Considerations for Families – a guide written with families who have already been through OIT, covering cost, time commitment, and emotional impact.

Check your eligibility

OIT Application Checklist – a self-assessment checklist to help you understand whether your child and family may be suitable for OIT support.

Financial assessment

Means Tested Form Financial Assessment Form – this confidential form helps us assess financial need so that support can be allocated fairly.

Apply for Oral Immunotherapy Support

Families wishing to apply for support with Oral Immunotherapy via the Sadie Bristow Allergy Management Fund can complete the application form below.

Download the application form

 

Please ensure you have reviewed the eligibility checklist and guidance above before submitting your application.