Introducing our Be Food Allergy Aware park sign initiative
Parks and playgrounds are some of the busiest and happiest spaces in any local community.
But for families living with food allergy, they can be filled with potential dangers that other people might not be aware of.
A tiny smear of ice cream on a climbing frame, for example, could trigger an allergic reaction in a child with a cow’s milk allergy.
That’s why Natasha’s Foundation is launching the Be Food Allergy Aware park sign initiative, to promote the simple actions everyone can take to help keep playgrounds safe and inclusive for people with food allergies.
Allergy School can help you get a sign for your local park
Through our Allergy School programme, we can help you get a sign added to your local park, reminding visitors to be mindful about food allergies.
The Be Food Allergy Aware park sign initiative started this year at Hotham Park, Bognor Regis, in a tribute to Jess North, who tragically died aged 20 from a severe food allergic reaction in 2021.
The sign in Jess’ memory was mounted through a community competition led by Natasha’s Foundation and Arun District Council, with the winning design created by local primary school pupil Esme.
The bright and colourful sign sets out easy actions we can all take to make play spaces safe and inclusive for people with food allergy, such as eating in designated areas, disposing of litter responsibly and cleaning hands before using play equipment.
With your support, we hope that similar signs will soon appear in parks up and down the country.
How to install a Be Food Allergy Aware park sign near you
Most parks and playgrounds in the UK are managed by local councils, though a few may be under community ownership or a parish council.
This means the first step towards installing a Be Food Allergy Aware park sign is getting in touch with the Parks and Green Spaces team at your local council. Depending on where you live, this might also be called the Parks and Countryside, Grounds Maintenance, or Leisure and Green Spaces department.
Directing your message to a named individual within the council may increase its impact.
Many councils also have an online portal for requests, which can help you get through to the right place.
You can use our template as the basis for your letter or message. If your council agrees to install a sign in your local park, you have 2 options.
Option 1: Install a version of our existing sign. This means your chosen park will have the same colourful design as the one which went up in Hotham Park, but tailored with your local park’s details.
Option 2: Run a competition to create a unique new sign design. Work with your local council or school to hold a competition inviting children to design their own Be Food Allergy Aware park sign.
This is a great way to encourage children to learn about food allergies and the importance of keeping everyone safe.
If you run a competition, please use our competition design template and our competition handbook.
Next steps
If your local council approves your request for a Be Food Allergy Aware park sign, please email allergyschool@natashasfoundation.org.uk
Our team will provide you with either the artwork from the existing sign, or information and resources to help you run a children’s design competition in your local community or school.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the initiative, please get in touch.
Helpful information about Allergy-aware park signs.
Size: Recommended A3 (42 x 59.4 cm) or A2 (59.4 x 84.1 cm).
Material: Aluminium composite (commonly used for road signs) or foam board (compressed plastic). Given the location, all corners should be rounded for safety.
Fixing: Post mounts, fixed through the base, with full-colour laminated graphics.
Cost: The cost will vary depending on the supplier you choose for your sign. Natasha’s Foundation, in collaboration with our ambassador Maxine North, can contribute towards funding the installation of your sign.
To check your eligibility, please contact allergyschool@natashasfoundation.org.uk