As the UK navigates its way out of Covid-19, there has been a huge surge in the popularity of outdoor summer schools, forest schools and activity programmes for the summer months.

In response to children and families spending more time outdoors, UK award-winning kids’ clothing brand Kidunk and Caudwell LymeCo charity have partnered to produce a fun new resource to help children, parents, carers and teachers be better prepared and more aware of Lyme disease.

The ‘Tick Detectives’ fact sheet is available to download from both the Caudwell LymeCo and Kidunk websites. It will also be available digitally to over 10,000 nursery settings, carers and parents over the coming weeks. The resource, which is free to schools and outdoor centres across the UK, aims to appeal to a young audience. However, it also helps provide parents and carers with key facts.

Caudwell LymeCo’s core mission is to fund research for more accurate testing and effective treatment available on the NHS for patients at all stages of the disease.

 

 

Research suggests there may be up to 10,000 cases of Lyme disease per year in the UK; that’s around 27 people per day. The true number could be much higher. However, due to a lack of reliable testing and knowledge of the disease, exact numbers are difficult to confirm.

The bite of an infected tick causes Lyme disease and can affect the brain, nerves, joints, heart and eyes. It can also cause a characteristic skin rash. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key for a quick and full recovery.

When not spotted and treated quickly, the infection can cause life-limiting symptoms and be difficult to cure. A Caudwell LymeCo patient survey found that around a third of those who contract Lyme disease still experience symptoms after treatment. Plus, the estimate is that around 20% never fully recover from the disease.

Kidunk was created to make getting kids outdoors easier via protective, breathable, and practical childrenswear.

The brand has won over 10 consumer awards as well as a prestigious Gold European design award in 2019. Kidunk will donate 10% of sales of its summer range to the charity for its research programmes. It will also provide further opportunities for awareness.

The partnership between CaudwellCo charity and Kidunk occured when the brand launched its lightweight summer range last year. The success of the collection was based on it being ‘fully protective’ and made with a UVA protective material.

Also due to the styling, including a zipped waist, elasticated cuffs and ankles, and close-fitting necklines. The summer design makes it ideal as a preventative step against insects – including ticks – when children play or spend time outdoors in the countryside, forests, urban parks and gardens.

 

 

Commenting is Rosie Milsom, fundraising and communications for Caudwell LymeCo. “We are really excited to be launching this new initiative with Kidunk. It’s a particular concern for many that during the coronavirus pandemic, cases of Lyme disease may increase as people spend more time outdoors; or may even be missed due to similar symptoms to the virus. We want to work with forest schools and nurseries to empower children and parents with knowledge and understanding of Lyme disease in a fun and creative way”

Also commenting on the initiative is Kidunk co-founder and designer, Lisa Joyce.

“We are absolutely delighted to be launching this fantastic resource with Caudwell LymeCo charity. As young families get out and about now more than ever before, it’s key they understand the environment. We tried to deliver the key facts around Lyme disease in a no-nonsense language using engaging colours and imagery that would appeal to a younger audience, but also with factual content of use to parents and practitioners.”

Pam Houghton, owner of High Meadow Nursery, Lancashire, and a Level 3 forest school nursery practitioner, adds; “Children’s safety is of paramount importance to us. This fantastic resource has been shared with parents and staff who have passed it on to others with an interest in outdoor activities and learning.”