Welcome to BASG

What is an allergy?

A dictionary definition of the world ‘allergy’ is:-

A damaging immune response by the body to a substance to which it has become hypersensitive.

A Brief History of the Bedford Allergy Support Group and Bedfordshire Intergrated Health Group

In spring of 1986 a group of friends met to discuss their health problems. These were very varied and involved children and adults with immediate concerns. The Bedford Allergy Support Group (BASG) was formed soon after as more people wanted to be involved. For a few years meetings were arranged and attracted large audiences for talks, demonstrations and open discussions. It became obvious that many people were acting on the information received by pursuing the various anti-allergy regimes and therapies. Many were actively seeking alternatives/help, following no assistance or success with conventional medicine via their G.P.’s. There have been successes, with problems being resolved but others have remained with a severe threat to health and quality of life.” From 1994 the group made concerted effort to lobby for the inclusion of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) within the National Health future plans. The aspirations were given support from consecutive Mayors of Bedford (1997 and 1998) and a large group of interested people, including De Montfort University, which led to the establishment of the Bedfordshire Intergrated Health Group (BIHG, 1998). This group meets regularly and is now moving foward with interest from local Primary Care Trusts (PCT’s) and data is being collected on CAM Practitioners in Bedford. A Directory of access to Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Bedfordshire has just been completed by a PhD student at De Montfort University as part of her work. It is available to download by clicking “Directory” above. The aims of the BHIG are to facilitate integration, foster further research and to inform and advise both the general public and the medical profession. This group meets regularly and works in an advisory capacity, to support the project of referral to CAM practitioners by certain GP’s in Bedford, under NHS funding. This project, is part of the Bedford Healthy Living Initiative, as is Bedford Allergy Suppot Group. BASG continues to act in a support role in response to requests for advice from people both locally and nationally (from references in books and directories). Very often their questions are ‘What am I allergic to?’ and ‘How do I cope?’ They also often include ‘My Doctor doesn’t believe or understand me!’ We realise that, increasingly, problems appear to be exacerbated by environmental causes (people’s state of well-being can be unbalanced by illness, allergies, environmental or a combination of all three).

Partnershp - A Success Story

Bedford Integrated Health Group wishes to thank former Mayors Apu Bagchi and Frank Garrick who helped set up the Group. Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire County Council for funding, especially the local CAM Directory. Special thanks to Michael Saks formerly at De Montfort University, Dr. S.Basra GP, and Vicky Manners for their invaluable support and contributions. Together with, of late, Diana Webb - Bedford Healthy Living Initiative, (Bedford Primary Care Trust) and Anthea Slark - Bedford Council Library Services.