Crossed Grain November 2020

SUPPORTER NEWS | 4 Coeliac UK, 3rd Floor Apollo Centre, Desborough Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2QW. Tel: 01494 437278 A charity registered in England and Wales (1048167) and in Scotland (SC039804) and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (3068044). www.coeliac.org.uk facebook.com/CoeliacUK 0333 332 2033 @Coeliac_UK youtube.com/UKCoeliac generalenquiries@coeliac.org.uk www.coeliac.org.uk @CoeliacUK dietitian@coeliac.org.uk DISCLAIMER All information is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to press but Coeliac UK is not responsible for any errors. No correspondence will be entered into. Get in touch Keeping our community connected Whilst regular events have been cancelled this year, many of our local groups have found new ways to stay connected, supporting each other online and through virtual events. We spoke to Sue Williams, Group Organiser at Clwyd local group, about how her members have managed to keep in touch. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your local group activities? “We had to cancel two planned meet ups, as well as our AGM in May and a meet up for children during the school holidays. We have been staying in touch via our Facebook group though - Clwyd Coeliac Support Group – and we use this to post photos and recommendations.” How have you supported each other throughout the pandemic? “Gluten free flour and pasta was difficult to find at the beginning, so lots of people were posting about that, and commenting on which supermarkets had gluten free products in stock. We also shared posts about finding gluten free boxes, and prescription information.” “As the months have gone by, the page has been really helpful for keeping members in touch. We love sharing photos of home baking, and one member’s son even featured in an issue of Crossed Grain! We also get lots of recommendations on local venues that cater gluten free.” Why do you think local groups are important? “It’s definitely important to be part of a local group, especially at times like these. Early on in the lockdown, I posted a message to say ‘stay safe’ and encouraged members to get involved with sharing photos. When new members join our group, Julie, our group administrator, puts a little welcome message to them. It’s good to know that other people are there for you, and understand what you’re experiencing.” How has Coeliac UK supported your group at this time? “We’ve found Coeliac UK’s resources really helpful, and many of our members have accessed the Coronavirus Hub for information on finding gluten free food.” We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our local group committees and members for being so resourceful, kind and considerate throughout the coronavirus pandemic. If you’d like more information about joining a local group, or even setting up your own, visit www.coeliac.org.uk/localgroups . AWARENESS WEEK 2021 We want to change the future for children with undiagnosed coeliac disease, which is why, from 10-16 May, we’re raising awareness of the symptoms of coeliac disease in children. We’re urging parents who recognise symptoms in their child to take our online assessment, which will provide a result which they can take to their GP and discuss. From there, a quick blood test could be the start of a life changing diagnosis. Don’t forget to save the date in your diary, and keep an eye on the next issue of Crossed Grain to find out how you can get involved. Clwyd local group have been busy baking. We always love to hear from you! So send your feedback and ideas to publications@coeliac.org.uk . Or contact us via phone (10.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday), email or social media for any other enquiries.