Allergies
More than 40 per cent of the UK population are affected by allergies. The numbers are rising, yet few national resources are allocated for research into the causes or cure. Allergy UK, formerly the British Allergy Foundation, is a national medical charity established to increase understanding and awareness of allergy, to help people manage their allergies, to raise funds for research and to provide training in allergy for healthcare professionals. It provides information, advice and support on most allergies and chemical sensitivity. Allergy UK also publishes a large number of leaflets and factsheets covering various allergic conditions. It will be holding Indoor Allergy Week on 10 to 14 November.
Contact Allergy UK, Deepdene House, 30 Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent DA16 3PY (Allergy helpline on 020 8303 8583 from 9am to 9pm weekdays and 10am to 1pm weekends, and Chemical sensitivity helpline on 020 8303 8525, 9am to 5pm weekdays, at other times ring the Allergy helpline, e-mail info@allergyuk.org,website www.allergyfoundation.com).
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body, often within minutes of exposure to the allergen, but sometimes after hours.
Peanut and nut allergy are frequently severe, but other causes of anaphylaxis include foods, insect stings, latex and drugs. However, on rare occasions there may be no obvious trigger. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are skin flushes, nettle rash (hives), a sense of impending doom, a swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty in swallowing or speaking, alterations in heart rate, severe asthma, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, a sudden feeling of weakness due to a drop in blood pressure, and collapse and unconsciousness. However, nobody would necessarily experience all of these symptoms. The Anaphylaxis Campaign's publications include a free booklet, Letting Go, which shows parents and carers how to teach children to manage their allergies. It has also produced two videos, 'Action for Anaphylaxis', a 25-minute training video for carers of allergic children, which gives detailed information about treatment, including the administration of adrenaline, and 'The New Kid', a video aimed at children aged five to nine with a food allergy, costing Pounds 15 and 11, inc p&p, respectively. There is also a children's book The Diary of Cyril the Squirrel to help children aged three to seven to adopt a healthy attitude to nut allergy. It costs 4.50, inc p&p.
Contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign, PO Box 275, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6SX (01252 542029, fax 01252 377140, e-mail info@anaphylaxis.org.uk,website www.anaphylaxis.org.uk).
Asthma
More than 1.4 million children (one in eight) in the UK have asthma. The typical symptoms in young children include coughing - particularly at night and after exercise - a wheezing or whistling sound in the chest, and shortness of breath when doing everyday activities such as climbing stairs.
The National Asthma Campaign is developing a schools-based initiative to support the implementation of asthma policies in schools, which will include educational learning guides for teachers to use in the classroom.
It has also produced guidelines for setting up a school asthma policy for early years settings, available from its supporter and information team on 020 7704 5888. The Campaign also publishes a wide range of information for people with asthma and their carers. In Scotland earlier this year, the charity launched its asthma manifesto, calling for asthma to be made a national health priority.
Contact the National Asthma Campaign, Providence House, Providence Place, London N1 ONT (020 7226 2260, fax 020 7704 0740, helpline 0845 701 0203, 9am to 5pm weekdays), National Asthma Campaign Scotland, 2a North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh EH2 4HR (0131 226 2544, fax 0131 226 2401, e-mail enquiries@asthma. org.uk, website www.asthma.org.uk).
Bedwetting
The Enuresis Resource and Information Centre (ERIC) provides advice and information to young children, teenagers, parents and professionals on nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting, and childhood daytime wetting and soiling.
Earlier this year, it helped launch a national campaign to improve toilet facilities in schools. The Bog Standard campaign aims to build on the Water is Cool in School campaign, launched more than two years ago to improve school drinking water facilities and access. ERIC sees both issues as prerequisites to child health. The charity also sells a wide range of useful literature, bedding protection and enuresis alarms.
ERIC is holding an international conference on:
* Frontline approaches to childhood enuresis and incontinence, at the University of York, on 1 and 2 October. It will have four seminars at the conference on:
* The assessment and treatment of daytime wetting, constipation and soiling in children, including children with special needs.
* Nocturnal enuresis - An advanced course on the three systems approach.
* Effective use of the enuresis alarm, including managing complex cases.
* The assessment and treatment of childhood soiling, including the management of children with special needs.
ERIC is also holding day seminars on:
* Nocturnal enuresis - An advanced course on the three systems approach, in Middlesbrough on 30 October.
* The assessment and treatment of childhood soiling, including the management of children with special needs, in mid-Wales on 9 December.
Contact ERIC, 34 Old School House, Britannia Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8DB (0117 960 3060, fax 0117 960 0401, helpline 0117 960 3060 10am to 4pm weekdays, e-mail info@eric.org.uk,website www.eric.org.uk).
Bereavement
The Child Bereavement Trust provides specialised training and support for professionals to improve their response to the needs of bereaved families.
It has a range of courses specifically designed at the request of staff working with families in multi-agency settings in healthcare, education, emergency services, police and the voluntary sector.
Contact the Child Bereavement Trust, Aston House, High Street, West Wycombe, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 3AG (01494 446648, fax 01494 440057, e-mail enquiries@ childbereavement.org.uk, website www.childbereavement.
org.uk).
Crisis Training Education Counselling (CRI-TEC) runs day workshops on coping with sudden death and disastrous events, as well as day schools examining the emotional cost of caring, at venues throughout England and Scotland.
Contact CRI-TEC, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX (0113 392 6498 e-mail pamela.duffy@leedsth. nhs.uk).
Cleft lip
One in every 600 to 700 children in the UK is born with a cleft of the lip or the palate. The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is a partnership between parents and health professionals that provides support for new parents, and for people with the condition - from infancy through to adulthood - and their families. There are more than 40 CLAPA groups in the UK. Among their key functions are running a specialist service for parents and health professionals seeking help feeding babies with clefts, developing support and training for children and adolescents affected by clefts, supporting research into the causes and treatment of cleft lip and palate, and publishing information leaflets on the condition.
Forthcoming events include:
* CLAPA's annual meeting, in London on 8 November.
Contact CLAPA, Third Floor, 235-237 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LS (020 7431 0033, fax 020 7431 8881, e-mail info@clapa.fsnet.co.uk,website www.clapa.fsnet.co.uk).
Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is a condition in which there is a persistently abnormal immunological reaction to dietary gluten, which gives rise to tissue damage. The only treatment generally required is adhering to a strict gluten-free diet for life. To follow such a diet, people with the disease must not eat foods that contain any form of gluten, for example, wheat, barley, rye and oats. If they do, it causes the lining of the small intestine to become damaged, and reduces their ability to absorb certain foods. Medicine or drugs are not required, and the extent of the reaction to gluten and the degree of resultant damage varies between and within individuals. Although most people with the disease are diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 45, Coeliac UK believes that more under-16s and over-60s are being diagnosed with the condition than ever before, with one in 1,000 people in the UK having the disease. The Coeliac Society of Ireland circulates a newsletter, publishes a list of gluten-free foods and holds regular meetings around Ireland to provide people with updates on gluten-free products.
Contact Coeliac UK, PO Box 220, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP11 2HY (01494 437278, fax 01494 474349, helpline 0870 444 8804, website www.coeliac.co.uk).Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael House, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 (353 01 872 1471, 10am to 1pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, e-mail coeliac@iol.ie,website www.coeliac.ie).
Diabetes
About 1.4 million people - three in 100 - in the UK have diabetes, with the number set to double by 2010, while another million people probably have diabetes, but don't know it. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes - which generally affects younger people - develops when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which usually appears in middle-aged or elderly people, but occasionally appears in young people. It tends to run in families, and is more common in Asian and African-Caribbean communities.
Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes. The charity publishes books, magazines, booklets and reports covering diabetes care, cookery, living with diabetes, and diabetes in children and young people.
Contact Diabetes UK, 10 Parkway, London NW1 7AA (020 7424 1000, fax 020 7424 1001, careline 020 7424 1030, 9am to 5pm weekdays, e-mail info@diabetes.org.uk,website www.diabetes.org.uk).Regional offices in England are: North West, First Floor, The Boultings, Winwick Street, Warrington WA2 7TT (01925 653281, fax 01925 653288, e-mail n.west@diabetes.org.uk);Northern and Yorkshire, Sterling House, 22 St Cuthbert's Way, Darlington DL1 1GB (01325 488606, fax 01325 488816, e-mail north&yorks@diabetes.org.uk);West Midlands, 1 Eldon Court, Eldon Street, Walsall WS1 2JP (01922 614500, fax 01922 6466789, e-mail w.midlands@diabetes.org.uk).There are also regional offices in Scotland - Savoy House, 140 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3DH (0141 332 2700, fax 0141 332 4880, e-mail scotland@diabetes.org.uk);Wales - Quebec House, Castlebridge, Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9AB (029 2066 8276, fax 029 2066 8329, e-mail wales@diabetes.org.uk);and Northern Ireland - Suite 8, Bridgewood House, Newforge Business Park, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5NW (028 9066 6646, fax 028 9066 6333, e-mail n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk).
Eczema
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that can affect all age groups. In the UK, up to one in five of all school-age children have eczema, along with about one in 12 adults. The severity of the disease can vary, as do its causes. For children in particular, the itchiness of eczema can be very distressing. Treatments to help reduce its severity include emollients and steroids, as well as wearing cotton clothing and having cotton bedding.
While there are no guarantees a child will grow out of eczema, research has shown that 60 to 70 per cent of children are virtually clear of the condition by the time they reach their mid-teens.
The National Eczema Society gives advice and assistance on a number of lifestyle changes and self-help measures to help keep eczema under control.
Contact the National Eczema Society, Hill House, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NA (020 7388 4097, helpline 0870 241 3604 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, website www.eczema.org).
Epilepsy
The National Society for Epilepsy runs:
* Half-day seminars, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm each month at its Buckinghamshire headquarters. These give a basic introduction to epilepsy and an update on the latest information. Content includes seizure classification and management, and the social and psychological implications of the condition. Sessions are run according to participants'
needs and questions are welcome. There is a suggested donation of at least 15 per person. Dates are 14 July, 14 August, 9 September, 14 October, 13 November and 4 December. To register, telephone 01494 601371 for a booking form.
The society also welcomes queries from Nursery World readers about training in epilepsy.
Contact the National Society for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 0RJ (01494 601371, website www.epilepsynse.co.uk)Meningitis
Meningitis occurs when the meninges, the lining surrounding the brain, become inflammed. It can be caused by many different organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. There are two main types of meningitis in the UK - viral and bacterial. It may not be easy to spot at first, as symptoms can be similar to those of flu. They may develop over one or two days, but sometimes appear in a matter of hours. The incubation period is between two and ten days, although in the case of viral meningitis, it can be up to three weeks. The symptoms in babies and infants include a high temperature, vomiting or refusing feeds, high-pitched moaning or whimpering, a blank expression, a pale, blotchy complexion, floppiness, retracted neck and arched back, difficulty in waking or lethargy. Additionally, the fontanelle, the soft spot on babies' heads, may be tense or bulging. If you suspect meningitis, contact your GP immediately.
The Meningitis Trust fights against the disease by producing an extensive range of information to raise awareness of the disease, funding research into vaccines and treatment, and offering support for people affected by meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia. Due to the high demand for greater knowledge about the disease from childcarers and nurseries, the Trust gives talks and presentations on all aspects of meningitis and septicaemia to early years settings and schools, as well as to hospitals, GP surgeries and universities. The Trust's nursery nurse officer has carried out meningitis awareness training courses for nursery nurses, nannies and childcarers across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is producing a resource for early years professionals, which should be available in the near future and there is an educational website at www.inmed.co.uk.
Contact the Meningitis Trust, Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ (01453 768000, e-mail info@meningitis-trust.org.uk,website www.meningitis-trust.org.uk). Scotland - PO Box 19554, Johnstone PA6 7YF (0845 120 4885 (also fax), e-mail scotland@meningitis-trust.org);Northern Ireland - PO Box 549 Belfast BT5 7YN (0845 1200 663, e-mail ni@meningitis-trust.org);Wales - PO Box 16, Neath SA10 8XB (0845 120 4886, e-mail wales@ meningitis-trust.org); Republic of Ireland - PO Box 102, Bray, Co Wicklow (01 276 2050, fax 01 276 2051, e-mail CaroleN@meningitis-trust.org).There is also a 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0845 6000 800.
The Meningitis Research Foundation is holding a two-day conference on:
* Meningitis and septicaemia in adults and children, in London on 18 and 19 November. This conference will bring together experts in critical care, infectious diseases and molecular medicine, from both paediatric and adult settings. Topics to be covered will include management, the impact of recent immunisation campaigns, the implementation of new vaccines, and progresses and pitfalls in the development of new drugs.
Contact the Meningitis Research Foundation, Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2BS (01454 281811, website www.meningitis.org);Scotland - 133 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh EH3 9PP (0131 228 3322, fax 0131 221 0300); Northern Ireland - 71 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL (028 9032 1283, fax 028 9032 1284); Republic of Ireland - 51 Cullenswood Road, The Triangle, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (01 496 9664/5, fax 01 496 9656). There is a freefone 080 8800 3344 in the UK and Northern Ireland, and LoCall 1890 41 33 44 in the Republic of Ireland.
Multiple births
The Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA) aims to provide information and mutual support networks for families of twins, triplets and more, by highlighting their unique needs to all involved with their care.
The charity publishes leaflets, books and newsletters for families and carers. It has specialist support groups for one-parent families, parents of triplets or more, special needs families, those who have lost one or more of a multiple-birth set, and parents who are expecting or have twins, triplets or more as a result of fertility treatment. TAMBA also seeks to ensure parents and professionals can work in equal partnership to ensure the needs of multiple-birth families are met.
Forthcoming events include:
* TAMBA's 25th anniversary multiple births conference, in Guildford on 1 July.
Contact TAMBA, 2 The Willows, Gardner Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4PG (0870 770 3305, fax 0870 770 3303 9.30am to 4.30pm weekdays, Twinline, a confidential listening support and information service on 0800 138 0509 from 7pm to 10pm weekday and 10am to 10pm weekends, e-mail enquiries@tamba.org.uk,website www.tamba.org.uk).
Paediatric care
Every year, millions of children receive treatment in GP surgeries and hospitals in the UK. Of those who stay in hospital, more than 500,000 are under the age of five, with a further three million attending hospitals for accident and emergency treatment. Action for Sick Children seeks to ensure that children who are unwell receive the highest standard of care in hospital, at home and in the community, that their special needs are taken into account and that the whole child is treated - not just their illness or injury. It promotes certain beliefs to achieve these aims, including that children should never feel isolated or threatened, they should be involved in decisions about their treatment along with their parents, and children should never be put on an adult ward in hospital, but have their own friendly environment in which parents are allowed to stay.
Contact Action for Sick Children, National Children's Bureau, 8 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7QE (020 7843 6444, website www.actionforsickchildren.org);Scotland - Action for Sick Children (Scotland), 15 Smith's Place, Edinburgh EH6 8NT (0131 553 6553); Wales - The Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital (AWCH), 31 Penyrheol Drive, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9JT (01792 205227).
Yorkhill NHS Trust in Glasgow offers advice on the care of the sick child, what to tell children before they go into hospital, supporting children post-operatively and in facing bereavement.
Contact Eileen Mitchell, Play co-ordinator, Yorkhill NHS Trust, Glasgow (0141 201 0147).
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of early childhood that develops in the cells of the retina. In the UK, there are about 45 new cases each year. More than nine out of 10 children with retinoblastoma are treated successfully, but many lose one eye and a very small number lose both. About 40 per cent of children with retinoblastoma have the genetic form of the disease, and have an increased susceptibility to the development of other tumours later in life. The Retinoblastoma Society provides support and information to families affected by retinoblastoma at the point of diagnosis, during treatment and later in life, as required. It has been campaigning for GPs to test for 'Red Eye Reflex', a simple and reliable diagnostic procedure for all children whose parents and carers are concerned about the child's vision. The charity also funds research into the cancer.
Contact the Retinoblastoma Society, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE (020 7600 3309, e-mail rbinfo@rbsociety.org.uk,website www.rbsociety.org.uk).
General
The National Children's Bureau promotes the interests and well-being of children and young people, across every aspect of their lives. Its work focuses on promoting participation and young citizenship; ensuring effective care, education and support; communicating positive attitudes and images; enhancing health and well-being; celebrating diversity, valuing difference; and developing safe and positive environments. There are also specialist organisations based at the NCB, operating under its charitable status - the Children's Play Council, the Council for Disabled Children, the Drug Education Forum, the Sex Education Forum, and the Forum for Rural Children and Young People. The NCB has regional projects in England and Northern Ireland. It also works with Children in Scotland and Children in Wales, and its membership extends to their members. The NCB runs seminars and workshops on issues relating to children of all ages.
Contact the National Children's Bureau, 8 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7QE (020 7843 6000, website www.ncb.org.uk).For training, contact Martyn Carr on 020 7843 1906 or e-mail mcarr@ncb.org.uk.
