Our awareness week campaign has already lead to us being featured in a number of consumer magazines over the past few weeks, these include: Good Housekeeping, The Lady, Easy Living, Essentials, Delicious, She, Bella, Junior and Sainsbury's Magazine. We are also expecting coverage in My Weekly, Woman's Weekly, Best and Pick Me Up - keep an eye out for these!
As well as consumer magazines we have also been featured in a number of articles over the past coupe of weeks in the national press including; Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and The Express.  Look out for further articles this week in the national papers, including a special feature with Phil Vickery in this Saturday's Time supplement called Body and Soul.

Cast of BBC Drama,  Doctors.

The BBC website featured our research findings on their Health News page as did Channel 4 News. Whilst on GMTV, Cesarina Holm-Kander was interviewed on the sofa about her diagnostic journey, alongside the programme's resident doctor - Dr Hilary Jones. GMTV also included information on coeliac disease on their web site. With this coverage we are hoping that a lot more people will become aware of the symptoms!

Coeliac disease was also featured on the BBC drama, Doctors, which was aired on Friday 4th May.

Nutritionist and writer Ian Marber, The Food Doctor, answered questions in a phone-in on LBC on 14th May; whilst Phil Vickery joined Norma McGough, Head of Diet & Health, for a series of radio interviews which were broadcast around the country including; Devon, Derbyshire, Aberdeen and Dublin. A number of radio interviews are still to be broadcast including BBC Radio Oxford.  BBC Radio Jersey broadcast their interview on Monday 14th May.

A wide range of regional papers have interviewed case studies for features in local newspapers - some of these have already been published in the Plymouth Herald, Halifax Courier and South Wales Argus and we are expecting other pieces in the Birmingham Evening Post, Leicester Mercury, Peterborough Evening Telegraph and the Newcastle Sunday to name but a few.  If you see any coverage of Awareness Week or our 'Are you 1 in 100?' campaign in your local press please do let us know.

During Awareness Week we are also hoping to have coverage on TV when Phil Vickery will try to feature gluten-free recipes on his slot during ITV's This Morning. ITV Central will also broadcast a feature on coeliac disease and has been interviewing case studies.

This is your chance to let us know who you think deserves a 'Thumbs Up' and who deserves a 'Thumbs Down'.  Available to complete NOW! We hope to praise those you think are doing a good job and use them as examples in the industry, when campaigning to those who you think need to improve!

The closing date is 15th June 2007 and results will be published in the autumn issue of Crossed Grain.

We have launched our Supporter Awards to give you an opportunity to say thank you to someone special from the coeliac community.  It could be another person with coeliac disease, your dietitian, your GP, or your local community pharmacist. Just nominate that special someone and tell us in your own words how they have supported your journey through coeliac disease by filling out your nomination form.  Alternatively, you can call our Helpline on 0870 444 8804 to request a nomination form.
We are very grateful to Juvela for sponsoring these awards.

We would like to say thank you to all the people who wrote/called in asking how they could help in increasing awareness in their local area.  We have had a tremendous response this year and hope all our efforts will be recognised.

We would also like to say thank you to everyone who offered to be a case study. Many stories were used in local media and have done a sterling job in representing Coeliac UK and increasing the awareness of coeliac disease.

The press are reluctant to feature the same people too often so we are constantly looking for new case studies. If you are willing to be a case study, please be aware that it will involve speaking to a journalist and that they will usually want to publish a photograph alongside the article. There are of course no guarantees that the case studies will get used.

If you would be willing to speak to and be featured in the local press please contact us at contact@coeliac.org.uk marking your e-mail 'Case Study' in the subject box.

Running

To mark the start of Awareness Week a team of 13 ran in the Glasgow 10K. With expert coaching from, former international athlete Yvonne Murray, they were able to complete this 10k in no time. They have set a fundraising target of £2000, so to support their efforts click here. Yvonne also hopes to lead another team in the Great Scottish Run on the 2nd of September to join the team register here.
Thank you to Glutafin for sponsoring all of Coeliac UK's challenges.

Summer Raffle

Coeliac UK will be holding a summer draw which will help fund our on-going Awareness work with GPs, dietitians, pharmacists and policy makers in order to reduce under-diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Support us by buying/selling raffle tickets for the summer draw.
Contact us on 01494 796132 to order your books now!

Coeliac UK has been working with the All Party Parlimentary Group which has lead to us holding our second Parliamentary reception, hosted by the Group Secretary, Gordon Banks MP.
The reception was held yesterday (Tuesday 15th May) at the House of Commons and all MPs and Peers were invited, with many attending. In addition, five gluten-free food manufacturers; Juvela; Glutafin; Gluten-free Foods; Green's Beers and Nutrician Point were present to display some of their products. Adastra Medical, the company distributing the Biocard self-testing kits in the UK were also available to test MPs. We offered to issue press releases to the local press in the constituencies of those MPs being tested to help raise awareness, which was taken up by many of them. Read more here.

We are holding an exhibition all day today (Wednesday 16th May) in the reception area of Portcullis House where the MPs' offices are housed.  Wednesday is usually the House's busiest day and we expect 200-300 MPs and their researchers to visit our stand during the course of the day. We will be answering their queries and providing them with literature and asking them to sign our EDM (see article below).

On Thursday 10th May Gordon Banks MP tabled a Parliamentary motion (an Early Day Motion) for MPs to sign - the case for early diagnosis. The EDM reads:

''That this House recognises the work of the charity Coeliac UK and the All Party Group on Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis and congratulates them on helping to raise awareness of coeliac disease (a debilitating illness that affects 1 in 100 - although less than 20% have been diagnosed); expresses concern that many people with the disease do not receive early diagnosis; and calls on the Government to promote measures to ensure GPs receive more appropriate training and support to enable them to better recognise the disease and so promote early diagnosis.'

We will be continuing to ask MPs to add their names to the EDM.

The aim of the study was to consider the health outcomes of patients with coeliac disease whose symptoms were relieved by a strict gluten-free diet but whose gut healing was poor. Small bowel biopsy and bone mineral density measurements were compared at the outset of the study in patients whose gut lining did not recover within 2 years and those who had good gut healing. Both groups were followed up for 4 years. Osteoporosis was found in 58% and 22% of the patients from the group whose gut had not healed compared to the group where gut healing was good. In addition, some individuals developed malignant complications in the group with poor gut healing. On-going gut damage in adult coeliac disease, even in the absence of symptoms, carries a risk of subsequent complications. Follow-up biopsy is important in detecting these individuals.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 25(10):1237-45, 2007 May 15.

Slovene Celiac Disease Society together with Department of Paediatrics at Maribor Teaching Hospital are organising a simultaneous meeting of AOECS (Association of European Celiac Societies) and medical professionals in September 2007. This is a meeting where experts with special interest in coeliac disease and scientists who conduct intensive research in all aspects of the disease can discuss important issue with the leaders of all the European patient organisations such as better quality of life for patients with coeliac disease. Click here to read what will be discussed at the meeting.

Here is just a sample of what is going on over the next few months but there is so much more happening in and around your area. To find out dates, times, details and other events please click here.

15 May 2007 Sheffield Group 
Gluten-free dinner cooked by the students of Castle College will be held in the restaurant.

15 May 2007 Wolverhampton Group 
Coffee morning at Waitrose store, Penn Road, Wolverhampton, 10.30am-12pm. Village Bakery and Dietary Specials in attendance.

16 May 2007 Berkshire Group
The Mayor and Mayoress of Rushmoor will be holding an event at the Rushmoor Council Offices (Committee Room 1), Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hants GU14 7JU during which the Mayoress will speak of her food experiences at various official engagements.

16 May 2007 Cleveland Group
Awareness day held in conjunction with Marks & Spencer to promote gluten-free products at Marks & Spencer, Teesside Park, Middlesbrough, 10am-3.30pm.

16 May 2007 Cardiff & East Wales Group
Marks and Spencer - product night at Café Revive, Marks and Spencer, Culverhouse Cross from 7pm. 

16 May 2007 N E Fife Group
The ever popular Juvela demonstration will be held from 7.30pm at the Town Hall, Queens Gardens, St Andrews.

17 May 2007 Formby, Merseyside and District
The group will be manning a stand at Waitrose, Formby between 12pm-2.30pm. 

17 May 2007 N Lancs and S Cumbria Group
A 3-course gourmet gluten-free meal is being planned at Furness College, cooked by the students.  Full details will appear on the group's web page.

17 May 2007 Sussex Group
Meal cooked by the students at Crawley College - early booking advised.  Arrive at 6pm for 6.30pm.

17 May 2007 West Cumbria Group
Information table at Sainsbury's, Cockermouth to help raise awareness.

17 May 2007 Wolverhampton Group
Annual dinner at the Academy Training Restaurant, City of Wolverhampton College, Metro One Campus, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton - 6.30pm for 7pm.  Contact Group Organiser for tickets and more information.

18 May 2007 Cheshire Group 
As part of the group's Awareness Week, a meal has been organised at L'Cole.  Check group's web page for booking details.

18 May 2007 N Lancs and S Cumbria Group
Due to the success of last year, another coffee morning has been arranged at the Gleaston Watermill Café, 10am.  Committee members will be on hand to answer questions.

18 May 2007 Oxford Group
A stand will be manned at the John Radcliffe Hospital to answer questions on the gluten-free diet.  Literature and free samples to taste will be available.  

18 May 2007 Wirral Group
Gluten-free Chinese banquet at the Capitol Restaurant, Argyle Street, Birkenhead.  Children and non-coeliacs welcome. 7pm for 7.30pm. Contact group organiser for cost and further information.

19 May 2007 Bournemouth and Poole Group
Family fun and picnic afternoon starts at 3pm at Barford Farm, Cowgrove Road, Sturminster Marshall.  Bring your own picnic and sample home made gluten-free ice cream.

19 May 2007 Edinburgh Group
Visit members of the committee at the Blackhall Sainsbury's store where gluten-free goodies will be available to sample between 11am-2pm.  

19 May 2007 Chelmsford Group
Essex Food Fair being held from 10.30am -3.30pm at the Civic Hall, Blackshots Lane, Grays, Essex.

19 May 2007 Cornwall Group
Coffee morning and awareness event at the Municiple Buildings Truro/tourist board opposite QS - 10am -12pm.

19 May 2007 Middlesex South Group
Gluten-free food tasting in Staines market.  Check website for details.

19 May 2007 North Staffordshire Group
A dance has been organised to tie in with Awareness Week to include a pie and pea supper at the Meir Community Centre, Pickford Place, Sandon Road, Meir. 

19 May 2007 Oxfordshire Group
AGM followed by cookery demonstration from Glutafin at St Giles Church Hall, Woodstock Road, Oxford.  Commences at 2pm but places are limited so please contact group organiser to reserve your space.  

19 May 2007 Tayside Group
Home baking, tea/coffee and treats on sale at our cookery demonstration at the Scone Old Parish Hall, Scone at 2pm. 

19 May 2007 West Cumbria Group
Awareness Week event at the Curwen Centre, Curwen Park, Workington CA14 4YB to include cake stall, buffet, tombola and tasting session, 11am-1pm.

20 May 2007 Northampton Group
Fabulous fun day for all the family which includes, a car rally, treasure hunt and gluten-free cakes and tea.  Booking essential, contact group organiser for further details.

To keep up to date with Juvela's whereabouts click here.

Juvela supports coeliac awareness in pharmacy

Juvela have joined forces with UniChem, one of the leading pharmacy wholesalers, to help raise awareness of the symptoms of coeliac disease in over 500 Alliance Boots/UniChem customer pharmacies across the Country.  Look out for the 'Could this be you'? poster in your local pharmacy, and remember if you think your local pharmacist has gone that extra mile in the service and support he gives to you then why not nominate them for a Coeliac UK Supporter Award.  Just visit Coeliac UK website or www.juvela.co.uk and fill out a nomination form.

Discover our NEW Discovery look

Same great flavour, same great products. Just a new design and strap-line to give our authentic-looking packaging a new cleaner and fresher look and feel. 

Our more adventurous tasting range of sauces, spice mixes and accompaniments are all gluten-free and provide you with all the necessary ingredients for all the family to share delicious Mexican dishes at home.

To discover more, please CLICK HERE 

What better way to enjoy the sunshine than to get the family together, stoke up the BBQ and dine al fresco. But is it the same old boring food? Not if you're a Sally's Sizzling Sausage Co. customer.
We have an exciting range of sausages (in 10 delicious flavours), kebabs and a new improved range of 100% beef burgers all made using prime cuts of meat. But don't take our word for it we have 150 samples of our tantalising burger range to give away. So click here and the first 150 people will receive a sample of our 100% Beef Burgers, 100% Beef Chilli Burgers and a sample of our yet to be launched 100% Beef cheese burgers (yes the cheese is in the burgers).
Why not take a look at our range of delicious food that we have to offer which are all delivered fresh to your door by visiting our website www.sallyssizzlers.com

Safetoeat are a new manufacturer of delicious gluten free soups and cook-in sauces

The products are all handmade from 100% natural ingredients in Safetoeat's purpose built kitchens in the Peak District - from which all gluten containing ingredients are excluded.

There are 11 delicious cooking sauces, which includes a Gluten free, nut free, dairy free, Korma - one of the best Kormas you will taste anywhere. New to the soups range is a fabulous Minestrone with Gluten free pasta

Larger Tesco and Sainsbury's stores stock some Safetoeat lines in the Free From section. Otherwise visit select health food store or www.safetoeat.com

Because our last Fresh Bread giveaway was such a success, we’re giving away some more! So if you missed out last time (or are greedy for another loaf), make sure you get a free sample asap! You can also add it to your next prescription (PIP code – 2906840).

What's your favourite?

Coeliac Awareness Week coincides with British Sandwich Week this year so we've been running a poll on the Dietary Specials website to find out your favourite sandwich filling.  So far, the clear favourite is a classic Chicken Salad, to register your vote click here. 
To help you to construct your favourite sandwich and to celebrate Coeliac Awareness Week we are giving away 500 samples of our most popular product, our Brown Multigrain Bread.  The offer is available exclusively to readers of eXG, so click here now to claim!

Save 20% on Freefrom

In support of Coeliac Awareness Week Sainsbury's is offering 20% off their fabulous freefrom range. That's 20% off everything in the range from scrumptious chocolate brownies, to good old English muffins or deliciously quick and easy ready meals! Get into Sainsbury's today and save on all your freefrom favourites.
Promotion runs from 9th May- 22nd May 2007.

Sainsbury's freefrom... the choice is yours.
For more information on our range, click here.

In a recent survey over 8 out of 10 people with coeliac disease preferred Rizopia Organic Brown rice pasta to their normal pasta.

Available from all health food shops.

For more information please visit PGR Health Foods at www.pgrhealthfoods.co.uk

www.GlutenFreeFrance.com 

Exquisite 'Maison Charentaise' near picturesque historic Cognac, SW France. Luxury B&B for up to 8 people. Gluten-free meals from local fresh produce. Convenient for Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Poitiers and the A10. Outdoor heated 10 x 6m pool. 45 mins from sandy beaches.

Walk to the village, with restaurant and bar.

Raise awareness of the gluten free diet and take the ordeal out of ordering in restaurants with DietaryCard…

Very special Awareness Week Offer:  Free English Dietary Alert Card with every Classic Coeliac order

(offer can be used in conjunction with our May Offer of a free Bulgarian DietaryCard with every Classic Coeliac Europack).

Put peace of mind in your pocket today at www.dietarycard.co.uk 01506 635358

Gluten & Wheat-free Fish & Chips, Onion Rings, Chicken Goujons, Fritters and much more... Authentic, crispy, golden, delicious and easy to use batter mix. Enjoy all your favourites with Glu-2-Go.  Visit our website or contact us on 01324 717273. www.glu2go.co.uk

ENJOY A GLUTEN-FREE HOLIDAY at LA BELLE DEMEURE

Featured in Irish Coeliac News

Delicious food
Excellent service
Lovely location in SW France
www.glutenfreeinfrance.com Tel 0870 7605042 or 0033545326849.

Summer and Fall holidays in France. Gluten-free at our Dordogne Chateau.  Come visit our new covered terrace at the Lodge. Sit by the new pool house. Relax and Rejuvenate! A few en suite rooms remain for 2007.
Call on +33 (0) 553 54 88 64 www.chateaudevillars.co.uk

GFF Direct will have special offers on products across their range for Awareness week. In addition all customers during Awareness week will be entered into a prize draw for a hamper of goodies worth £50. See our website for further details www.gffdirect.co.uk or call 01757 289200 – don’t forget we also have a retail outlet in Yorkshire!