Crossed Grain

April 2023 Issue 121 Your charity newsletter Each year, we aim to raise awareness of coeliac disease through our Awareness Week, and this year is no exception. Taking place from 15 - 21 May, we’ll be taking every opportunity to spread the word about coeliac disease and would love for you to get involved too. We’d love you to join us in raising awareness in any way you can, you can do this by running an event or activity such as a bake sale, sponsored walk or an information table at your local church or hospital. Or why not share your story via a presentation at your school or workplace. Coeliac Awareness Week - Join in and spread the word Durham High School will be taking part in Coeliac Awareness Week this year, Michelle Hill, Vice Principal told us why: “At Durham High School, we recognise the importance of inclusivity for all pupils with medical conditions and allergies. We are excited to highlight the Coeliac Awareness Week and on May 16 our full menu will be gluten free. We are looking forward to being involved and raising awareness of this important condition.” Whatever you choose to do, we want to give you all the support you need. With thanks to Nestlé GoFree we have a Supporter Pack available to help you. The postal pack includes bunting, balloons and a banner, plus information leaflets and posters, and tips on how to fundraise safely. There is also a digital toolkit for social media and print at home items. To register to receive your pack visit www.coeliac.org.uk/form/fundraising and complete the form. To find out what your Coeliac UK Local Groups are planning for Awareness Week, read the Events supplement included with this newsletter and for all new activities and events, visit the Events page on our website at www.coeliac.org.uk/events Coeliac disease looks different for everyone, but by looking at the wider set of symptoms beyond ‘gut related issues’ it can help to join the dots and speed up the path to diagnosis. This year’s focus is on the lesser known symptoms of coeliac disease such as extreme fatigue, persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained anaemia, neurological symptoms, unexplained subfertility (both male and female) and recurrent miscarriage. Enable us to reach more people by helping others understand that their ongoing symptoms could be coeliac disease and the first step along the road to recovery is a simple blood test. To help facilitate this we have created an online self-assessment that will confirm if you should speak to your healthcare professional about being tested, visit www.isitcoeliacdisease.org.uk to take the test. For more information on Awareness Week 2023 and how you get involved visit www.coeliac.org.uk/awareness-week-2023