Crossed Grain

2 | SUPPORTER NEWS Help us get more people diagnosed this Awareness Week THANK YOU FOR HELPING US CELEBRATE 50 YEARS Last year we celebrated our 50 th anniversary and so many of you joined us in commemorating this major milestone. You held some amazing parties, including barbecues, afternoon teas and gatherings at school and work. And you came together to raise £50 for 50 years so that we can continue our work for as long as we’re needed. We’re so grateful to each and every one of you for making our 50 th special. Look out for our annual review in the next edition to find out more about what we achieved together last year. VOLUNTEERING IN NUMBERS Campaigning 100 packs were sent out to help get campaigners started. Peer support 58 Member2Member matches have been made, connecting those in need of support with members who can help. Resources for young people Our Moving On pack launched in September, so far helping 291 young people ease the transition to living independently. Events 270 local group events have taken place in 2018, as well as the many wonderful regular events like monthly coffee mornings. We are so lucky to have such a vibrant, caring community. Check out coeliac.org.uk/volunteering to find out how you can join in too. We’re focusing our attention on diagnosis again for Awareness Week 2019, from 13-19 May, because there are still half a million people living with unexplained symptoms and we want to give them the answers they need. However much time you can give, your help can bring more people to ask themselves ‘Is it coeliac disease?’ and seek relief from excruciating symptoms like mouth ulcers, stomach pain and so many more. We’ve got printed materials like leaflets and posters if you want to hold an awareness event, and will have online resources for you to share on social media and reach more people. Or you might like to raise the vital funds that will help us support people in getting their diagnosis. Holding a gluten free tea party doesn’t just help financially, but also raises awareness of coeliac disease and can help show your friends and coworkers that gluten free doesn’t mean taste free! Hold your party at home, work or school any time from April until the end of the year. Find out more at coeliac.org.uk/aw19 . 1,220 is the total number of volunteers working with us to help make sure no one’s life is limited by gluten. 447 are local group committee members Plus three wonderful office volunteers who help us with day to day work. There’s always so much going on, including: 583 form our Campaign Network 127 support our Member2Member programme