Crossed Grain

ANNUAL REVIEW | 5 • The introduction of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) meant a major piece of work to achieve compliance. Automation of the processes will be completed in 2019. • We were thrilled to achieve Investors in Volunteering at the beginning of the year. • We increased our donations from individuals and income from raffle and lottery by 26% . And across the year for every £1 we received, 78p was spent on our charitable activities. 2019 Plans • Develop further volunteer opportunities in our peer support scheme, Member2Member, so more people get help adjusting to life after coeliac disease. • Focus on university students to promote awareness and support in the higher education sector. Long term solutions through research “Remembering what it was like when I was first diagnosed motivated me to try and help others with coeliac disease. You soon discover so many unique stories and experiences that can be shared with others to hopefully improve their lives and understanding on, not just coping, but flourishing going forward.” Paul, Group Organiser, Thames South East Local Group Improving our efficiency and effectiveness • We ensured a clear direction with our new research strategy and Research Strategy Board which was recognised with full membership of the Association of Medical Research Charities. • With your help we have identified a list of ten top research priorities for coeliac disease . Our priority setting partnership brought patients, their carers and health professionals together, and worked through an initial list of over 2,500 questions to find the right areas for us to fund. • We delivered 12 Research Talks around the UK , including Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow, speaking to over 1,000 people about the discoveries our research funding has delivered and the exciting studies currently underway. • We launched our Research Fund so we can keep investing in a better future for people needing to live gluten free. We were awarded £500k by Innovate UK to address three areas: improved diagnostic techniques, improved gluten free food technology and self care support technologies. We also committed £250k of the charity’s own funds and, including the required contribution by companies involved in the applications, around £1m will be available for new research. Huge thanks to Innovate UK. 2019 Plans We will complete our joint Innovate UK research call and develop further partnerships for joint research calls in the year. “Taking part on the Member Review Panel was a great opportunity to have your voice heard.” Debbie We are hugely grateful to all of our members and supporters who have contributed to our Research Fund so far – to a value of over £150k . Your support is building a research base which will make a real difference for future generations and help us to lever funds.