Crossed Grain February 2020

May 2020 Issue 109 Your charity newsletter I t’s what we’re here for - we’ve got you because we get you. Coeliac UK has been at the centre of the coeliac community for over 50 years but, in the current crisis, our future has never looked more uncertain. We’ve seen a massive increase in demand for our services, with a doubling of enquiries to our Helpline and a 533% increase in digital enquiries. At the same time, vital streams of income have taken a huge hit of almost 50%. We receive no government funding - our existence depends on membership, fundraising and commercial income through our food safety schemes, advertising and sponsorship – all of which we are so grateful for. Sadly, all of these income streams have been affected by the recent crisis. This is why we’ve launched an appeal, at a time which is critical for the charity, asking you to help us be here for everyone who needs us. Without your help now, the future of the charity is at risk. Running our Helpline costs £500 a day or £62.50 an hour – could you donate to keep it open for everyone who needs us? We are working hard with our network of health and food professionals to collaborate, share knowledge and find the answers you need. On average, this costs £33.40 for each enquiry we receive – could you ensure this work continues Over the last two months, thousands of you have contacted Coeliac UK to ask for support in navigating the coronavirus pandemic. We continue to work hard to find the answers you need – about the health risks for people with coeliac disease, and to make sure that you can still get access to gluten free food. so we can assure people with the right information? Anything you can give will support our work and mean that we can continue to be here for you, your family and many others when you need us most. Our community has always been at the heart of our successes - thank you for everything you do for us already. Please don’t stop supporting us now - we need you as much as you need us. We’re doing our bit too, and we have furloughed all the staff that we can, without damaging our service to you. We have cancelled or postponed some activities until after the crisis to cut costs as much as possible. Any donation you can give will make a real difference. Thank you. Save our future because we’re in this together You can save our future . Please donate by visiting www.coeliac.org.uk/donate , or by calling our Helpline today on 0333 332 2033 . You can also donate by completing the donation envelope in our magazine.