Getting an allergy diagnosis is a challenging time, but you don’t have to face it alone. There is a thriving online allergy community to support you. One key theme in all of these stories is about how other people have been so willing to help them, from NHS staff, to schools and nurseries, families and friends, as well as co-workers and restaurant staff. So if you are struggling to get to grips with allergies, don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help.

Reading these stories will bring you comfort as you realise there are many others out there on the same journey as you. There is a steep learning curve to begin with. But it will get easier with time, as you develop your coping strategies.

We have stories from people at a different range of ages and stages, from babies right through to adulthood. Some of our interviewees have just one or two allergies, and some have a very long list. We have people for whom allergies have even led them onto a new career path. And to prove that allergies really do not have to stand in your way, we even have a professional chef!