Tomorrow marks the beginning of Coeliac Awareness Week which takes place between 12^th – 18^th May. Over the next seven days I’ll be writing soley gluten-free and I hope to raise awareness for their campaign.

Coeliac UK is the leading charity working for people with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH).

Their mission is to improve the lives of people living with the condition through support, campaigning and research.

Their vision is that the needs of people with coeliac disease and DH are universally recognised and met.

They work to achieve this vision by:

• providing expert and independent information to help people manage their health and diet

• campaigning on their behalf to improve access to fast diagnosis, good subsequent healthcare and safe foods - in the home and out

• researching new treatments and the possibilities of a cure.

Anyone who has been medically diagnosed with coeliac disease can join the Charity. They have around 80,000 members and 800 new members join every month. They also provide a dietetic and food Helpline for people struggling with diagnosis and management of their condition. In addition, they are able to provide helpful leaflets and books.
They also have 96 voluntary groups around the UK who provide help to the newly diagnosed locally, as well as supporting existing members and undertaking national campaigns.
Each year they raise awareness and campaign for change. This year they have an awareness week on 12th to 18th May to ensure eating out, whether through need or pleasure, is freed from restrictions.

Their registered charity number is 1048167 and registered address is Coeliac UK, Suites A - D Octagon Court, High Wycombe Bucks HP11 2HS.

Key facts on coeliac disease

• coeliac disease is not a food allergy but an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten
• damage to the gut lining occurs when gluten is eaten
• at least 1 in 100 people are estimated to suffer from coeliac disease in the UK; however, according to a recent study only 1 in 8 cases are diagnosed
• the average length of time taken for someone to be diagnosed with the disease from the onset of symptoms is an appalling 13 years!
• gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people are also sensitive to oats
• obvious sources of gluten include breads, pasta, flours, cereals, cakes and biscuits. It is often used as an ingredient in many favourite foods such as fish fingers, sausages, gravies, sauces and soy sauce
• there is no cure for the condition; the only treatment is life-long adherence to a strict gluten-free diet
• if a gluten-free diet is not followed, the disease can ultimately lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, bowel cancer and also cause infertility problems
• if someone with coeliac disease accidentally eats gluten, they are likely to be unwell within a few hours; symptoms can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting and can last several days
• gluten-free food can be contaminated by crumbs in toasters, jam, butter, on knives, breadboards and other utensils
• people with coeliac disease can eat cereal-fed animals
• coeliac disease runs in families; studies show that if a family member has the condition, there is a 1 in 10 chance of a close relative developing the disease
• people who think they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may actually have undiagnosed coeliac disease
• people with coeliac disease cannot join the armed forces
• people medically diagnosed with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) can get staple gluten-free food on prescription
• DH is a skin presentation of coeliac disease

For more information go to www.coeliac.org.uk or call the Helpline on 0870 444 88047

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