university of Southampton Receives Grant to Expand Food Allergy Support Program, FACETS
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A team at the University of Southampton, led by Professor Hazel Knibb, has been awarded a grant from the national Peanut Board (NPB) to further develop and evaluate FACETS, a digital program designed to support individuals managing food allergies. The funding, totaling over US$450,000 across nine research projects, marks the only grant awarded by the NPB to a research institution outside of the United States. https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/npb-awards-450000-in-allergy-research-funding/
FACETS (Food Allergy Coping Toolkit & Education Support) currently provides resources to help individuals cope with the psychological impact of food allergies. The new grant will enable the team to add new modules focused on reducing anxiety, improving quality of life, and boosting self-efficacy in managing food allergies.
What is FACETS and Why is it Critically important?
Food allergies can considerably impact mental wellbeing. Living with the constant fear of accidental exposure, navigating social situations, and managing dietary restrictions can lead to anxiety, stress, and a reduced quality of life. FACETS aims to address thes challenges by providing accessible, evidence-based support.
Currently, FACETS offers a range of tools and details. The addition of new modules, funded by the NPB grant, will broaden the program’s scope and potential impact. The program is currently in a pilot phase and is not publicly available while researchers evaluate its effectiveness. The University of Southampton plans to make FACETS freely available to anyone who wishes to use it onc the research is complete, anticipated next year.
The National Peanut Board’s Commitment to Allergy Research
The NPB plays a crucial role in supporting allergy research, often providing initial funding that attracts further investment. According to Ryan Lepicier, NPB president and CEO, “The National Peanut Board is proud to play a catalytic role in allergy research – frequently enough providing the seed funding that allows promising projects in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management to attract additional investment and create broader impact for families and patients.” https://nationalpeanutboard.org/news/npb-awards-450000-in-allergy-research-funding/
Key Takeaways:
* The University of Southampton has received a grant from the National Peanut Board to expand its FACETS program.
* FACETS is a digital program designed to support the mental wellbeing of individuals with food allergies.
* New modules will focus on anxiety reduction, quality of life advancement, and self-efficacy.
* The program is currently in a pilot phase and will be made publicly available after evaluation.
* The NPB is a notable funder of food allergy research, supporting projects across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management.
This research represents a significant step towards providing accessible and effective mental health support for the millions of people living with food allergies. The University of Southampton’s work, supported by the NPB, promises to empower individuals to better manage thier allergies and improve their overall wellbeing.
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