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Be a M.A.T.E. – Make Allergy Treatment Easier
Having a food allergy can impact on a child’s participation in school and other activities.
With support, understanding, and education of children, parents/carers, and the wider school community, everyone can include children with food allergy and help to keep them safe.
Anyone can Be a M.A.T.E. by following these five easy steps:
Always take food allergies seriously
It may be hard to believe food that most of us eat and enjoy every day can be harmful to others, but people who have food allergy can have serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be life threatening.
Don’t share food with mates who have food allergy
Everyone loves to share or swap food with each other. But for those with food allergies this can be very dangerous. Never share your food with mates with food allergies. Even if you think the food is safe, it’s still not worth taking the risk.
Wash hands after eating
Wash your hands after eating something another student is allergic to. This will help keep them safe.
Know what your mates are allergic to
Ask your mates what food they are allergic to. Consider your mates with food allergy when eating your food and try not to be messy. For school birthday parties and celebrations consider non-food treats and activities like stamps and stickers.
Get help straight away if a mate gets sick (even if they don’t want you to)
If a mate who has food or insect allergies is showing these signs tell them to stay where they are and get a teacher or person in charge straight away:
- Finding it hard to breathe
- Skin that is bumpy, red, and itchy
- Swelling of the face, lips, and eyes
- Vomiting
- Looking pale and feeling dizzy
Be a MATE Bookmarks and Posters
Be a MATE Bookmarks and Posters
Students can use our bookmarks to remind them of what they can do to help keep their mates safe.
Bookmarks and posters are free and available in different pack sizes.
Order bookmarks for your school here
Be a MATE: allergy awareness resource for schools
The Be a Mate Allergy Awareness Resource provides educators with information and activities for teaching students what allergies are and how to help classmates who have them. This includes being able to recognise an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, and knowing what to do when it happens.
Primary school resources
Secondary school resources
Food Allergy Week
Make it a date on your school calendar. Food Allergy Week is held in late May of each year. This week is an ideal time to review your school’s anaphylaxis management strategies and guidelines and to remind your school community about the students enrolled that have food allergy.