Local Groups

Coeliac UK Voluntary Support Groups play a vital role in fulfilling the Charity’s aim to improve the lives of people with coeliac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Groups offer a chance to get together, share experiences and have fun!

Awareness Week 2008

About the Groups

Our local Groups are a source of great support for people with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. and/or dermatitis herpetiformisUsually shortened to DH, this is a form of coeliac disease where the skin is affected with small blisters. (DH) – especially those who are newly diagnosed. It’s great to know that you’re not alone!

Role of the Groups

There are over 90 Groups across the UK, all run by volunteers. As you can imagine, each Group is unique, but they all carry out two main tasks:

To support and assist people (and their families) whether diagnosed, or actively seeking diagnosis of coeliac disease and DH in the local area
To further the aims of Coeliac UK in the local community

What Groups do

Groups do this in many ways from:

organising cookery demonstrations
holding meetings with medical experts
fundraising
campaigning
hosting food fairs

But the first role a Group plays is supporting newly diagnosed people in the local area.

Find out what’s going on in your area

For more information on your local group visit our group pages.

Up-coming Group events

Set up your own Group

No Group in your local area?

Running a Group does involve a fair amount of work, but it is rewarding and fun! Group members have commented it offers:

Fantastic opportunities
New experiences
The chance to develop new skills
A great network of support
The chance to make a positive difference

Contact Us

The Volunteer Team at Coeliac UK’s High Wycombe office is here to help support the Groups and their work. For further information on how to start up a Group email volunteering@coeliac.org.uk or call 01494 796 118.

Medical advice

The Groups cannot give medical advice and should not be treated or regarded as offering a substitute for the medical advice of GPsYour local doctor or General Practitioner., nurses or any other health professionals. For anybody concerned about health related matters they should consult their own nurse/doctor for professional medical advice.